Kitchen Assistant

Overview Of PositionThis position's responsibility, under the direction of the Central Kitchen Lead or designee, is to assist in the preparation/distribution of nutritious and wholesome food items following District procedures and standards; may be required to substitute in school location on an emergency basis.Essential FunctionsAssists in the preparation, packaging and distribution of nutritious and wholesome food items that are of high quality, have eye appeal and meet cost parameters following standardized procedures and in accordance with established work schedules; follows recipes, production sheets, portioning standards; uses appropriate equipment.Assists in cleaning, maintaining and troubleshooting kitchen equipment; troubleshoots equipment issues immediately to minimize and avoid downtime and/or repair; reports malfunctions immediately to supervisor.Completes daily work activities in assigned food preparation areas, tray line or dispersion in time allocated under direction of Lead or designee.May be assigned to work in school location when needed.Complies with all food safety and sanitation procedures; understands HACCP procedures and assists in maintaining HACCP records.Rotates and assists unit employees in food preparation, tray line and dispersion tasks; participates in on-the-job training to maintain the operation of the central kitchen.Promotes SPS and Nutrition Services Department Vision, Mission and GoalsParticipates in food safety and sanitation training yearlyPerforms related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.Reporting RelationshipsWorks under general supervision of the Central Kitchen Lead or designee.Working ConditionsRequired to shift tasks and priorities; required to stand and walk for prolonged periods; performs repetitive tasks; experience frequent interruptions; required to think logically and creatively; requires mental concentration; requires flexibility and adaptability; requires effective decision-making and problem solving; requires individual initiative and teamwork; required to communicate clearly with diverse audiences; required to operate commercial kitchen equipment; requires mechanical aptitude to master operation of complex equipment; required to lift objects weighing up to 25 pounds in accordance with established guidelines; required to assume positions, perform movements, and demonstrate stamina and exertions needed to prepare meals. May be exposed to general cleaning chemicals. May work in freezer and/or refrigeration units for extended periods of time.Knowledge, Skills And AbilitiesKnowledge of:Food preparation techniques and proceduresFood Safety and SanitationBasic MathModern methods of food preparation, including recipe adjustmentAcceptable product standards, including quality and sanitation aspectsBasic computer operationSkill in:Use English communication orally and in writingTeam workAbility to:Do simple mathematical calculationsFollow instructions and use fundamentals of food preparation techniques and procedures following approved safety and sanitation requirementsLearn Federal, State and Local requirements for the National School Lunch ProgramsOperate all types of commercial kitchen equipment, including a mechanical aptitude for operating/adjusting complex equipmentEstablish and maintain good working relationships with a variety of employeesWork under supervisionTypical QualificationsLICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Food Handler's Permit Must possess a valid WA Food Handler's PermitBenefitsSeattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee who is scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits.Hourly staff accrue sick leave at the rate of 1:40 per the Washington Paid Sick Leave law; eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under conditions of the School Employees Benefits Board through the state of Washington.