Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

Job Category: Food Services

Location: Denver Harbor Light 2136 Champa St Denver, CO 80205, USA

Description

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

FLSA Status: Full Time - non-exempt

Reports to: Kitchen and Building Supervisor

Schedule: 4 days, 10 hours per day

Supervises: N/A

Rate of Pay: $24.00 hourly

Closing Date: 5/18/2026

Benefits: Standard; Full-Time, Non-Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following:

• Health, vision, dental, life as well as voluntary life and disability insurance
• Sick leave benefit 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
• Vacation benefit 10 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0385 hours for each hour worked, excluding overtime (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
• One floating day off for use (accrued immediately, and again annually, but may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory period of employment)
• Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
• Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b)plan)

Position Summary

The kitchen assistant supports the daily operations of the kitchen by ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient environment for food preparation and service. Responsibilities include preparing meals, maintaining sanitation standards, managing inventory and deliveries, and assisting with the coordination and training of volunteers. The role also involves supporting program operations, maintaining accurate records, and handling donations in compliance with organizational procedures. The individual is expected to demonstrate professionalism, uphold confidentiality, and treat all clients with dignity and respect. Additional duties may include assisting with special events, equipment maintenance, and other operational needs as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations and Sanitation

• Wash dishes, silverware, pots, and pans as needed
• Maintain dishwasher in a clean and sanitized condition
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is clean, sanitary, and in proper working order
• Maintain food preparation areas in compliance with health and safety standards
• Keep kitchen, pantry, and storage areas neat and organized
• Sweep and mop floors at the end of each shift and ensure facility is secured
• Provide general maintenance support for vehicles and kitchen equipment (cleaning, moving materials)

Food Preparation and Meal Service

• Prepare meals for shelter and events
• Assist with meal planning, food preparation, and serving
• Assist with preparation of sack meals (as needed)
• Help load meals for distribution
• Ensure safe food handling procedures are followed at all times

Inventory, Stocking, and Deliveries

• Receive food deliveries and stock items appropriately
• Assist with inventory and organization of pantry supplies
• Store food items properly according to instructions
• Safely and efficiently perform pickups and deliveries as required
• Assist in internal processing and distribution of goods

Volunteer and Staff Support

• Assist in supervising and coordinating volunteers and residents in meal preparation and service
• Assist in training kitchen volunteers, including hygiene standards
• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to maintain kitchen operations
• Participate in required staff meetings

Donations and Documentation

• Assist with in-kind donations, including logging, issuing tax receipts, and submitting copies to administration
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and receipts
• Track contacts, visits, issues, and resources provided

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with special events and other duties as needed

Education/Experience, Skills, Qualities, Requirements

Education/Experience

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Restaurant or food service experience preferred
• Experience working with volunteers or in a community-based or shelter environment preferred

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook email)
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to organize, multitask, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Basic inventory management and recordkeeping skills

Qualities

• Demonstrate history of providing professional services.
• Demonstrate history of providing customer service in a professional setting.
• Desire to serve others by building on their strengths.
• Comfortable working in a crisis-oriented environment and responding appropriately to a person in crisis.
• Ability to respond with humility to diversity and the needs of our unhoused neighbors.
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, volunteers, guests, partners and community members regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, partner status, faith, age, socio-economic status, gender identification, and physical or mental ability.
• Act with honesty and integrity; exercise appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Supportive of The Salvation Army's mission
• Able to reflect and model the high standards of our organization

Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Food Handler's Certificate and follow all food safety guidelines
• Driving
  • Must be 21 years old at minimum (for insurance provision) and possess a valid in-state driver's license
  • An MVR will be processed every year in accordance with The Salvation Army's policies

• Background Check
  • Must successfully pass all required background checks in accordance with organizational policies
  • Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army's policies

• Physical
  • Ability to maneuver, to remain in a stationary position, to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead, to lift 25 pounds, to access and produce information from the computer, to operate telephone, to understand written information

• Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A request to modify or adjust these requirements may be made to your supervisor and HR. The Salvation Army would attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and presents no undue hardship.

Qualifications

Required

High School or Equivalent or better.

Food handling experience

Food Handler's Card

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.