Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting with all aspects of OAS food service including planning, purchasing, handling, preparing, and cooking food for the cafe at the Cooper Center for Active Living and special events held by the department. In the absence of the Kitchen Manager, the Kitchen Assistant assumes all responsibility for efficient kitchen operation. Provides assistance and support to ensure that food quality standards, inventory levels, and food safety guidelines are met; performs all other related or similar duties as required. This is a part-time (19.5 hours/week), non-benefitted, hourly position. Hours may shift depending on the needs of the Older Adult Services Department.

Under the day-to-day supervision of the Food Service Manager, this position functions in collaboration with a team of volunteers. Performs varied duties requiring independent judgment and ability to work in synergy with staff and volunteers.

Assist with the preparation, portioning, and serving of meals, snacks, and beverages. Ensure food is presented attractively and served at the correct temperature. Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and special dietary instructions as needed.

Greet and serve customers in a friendly, welcoming manner. Assist customers with menu choices, special requests, and answer basic questions about food offerings.

Handle transactions at the point of sale, including cash handling and operating a register (if applicable).

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, dining, and service areas. Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment according to food safety standards.

Follow all health and sanitation guidelines, including proper food storage and personal hygiene practices.

Help monitor inventory levels and alert the manager when supplies need replenishing. Receive, unpack, and store food and supplies according to safety regulations.

Work cooperatively with café staff, volunteers, and community center personnel.

Assist with setting up and breaking down food service at dining or event spaces as needed.

Participate in special events, catering, or community meals hosted at the center.

Attend training sessions related to food safety, customer service, or café operations.

Maintaining documentation of the number of meals served and managing the database entry.

Assists with the coordination of special events.

Assists with maintaining café records.

Transfers the proceeds from the day to Executive Administrator.

Performing other related duties as needed to ensure efficient kitchen operation.

Will work up to 19.5 hours/week.

High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and one to two years of experience as a cook. Serve safe certification, CPR training required within 60 days of employment as well as any other certification as required by the Health Department.

Working knowledge of nutrition and the preparation of meals for older adults. Thorough knowledge of "serve safe" regulations. General knowledge of operating a public kitchen and preparation of meals.

Ability to interact in a positive and effective manner with fellow co-workers and the public and to work independently. Ability to operate a variety of kitchen equipment at an efficient and effective speed. Ability to assist with developing nutritious menus while keeping costs within budget. Ability to identify needs for repairs to kitchen equipment. Ability to follow written or verbal instructions. Ability to read and follow receipts, guides, cleaning schedules and logs.

Must have experience in food preparation and kitchen experience. Skill in using computer and office equipment. Good judgement and tact to maintain effective customer service relations. Time management and customer service skills.

Work is performed in a traditional kitchen setting where there is exposure to potential hazards and discomforts found in a kitchen environment.

Operates various kinds of kitchen equipment, computers, calculators, copier, telephone and all other standard office equipment. May have contact with the public, other town departments and officials, outside agencies, businesses, vendors, and other governmental organizations and attorneys, etc. Communication is by means of telephone, personal discussion, and correspondence and involves discussing routine information requiring patience and courtesy. Employee has frequent contact with the general public, volunteers, older adults, vendors, and other staff members. Employee may have access to confidential information pertaining to the provision of meal services to patrons. Errors could result in delay OR loss of service, legal repercussions, financial loss, food-borne illness, lower standards of service to the community and negative public relations to the city.

Work is performed in a kitchen setting, subject to moderate noise and is exposed to hot and cold temperatures frequently found in a kitchen environment. A significant amount of time is spent standing, walking, stooping, or reaching. This position is frequently required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and to reach with hands and arms to lift food items. Frequently required to lift to 60 pounds. Required to operate kitchen equipment in a safe manner and in accordance with manufacturer's operating instructions.

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City's values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)