Kitchen Assistant

# Kitchen AssistantHot JobLegal Address - Indio, CA 92201-3116## OverviewSalary Range$17.50 - $24.50 HourlyPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftVariesEducation LevelHigh School/GED## DescriptionJOB SUMMARYThe Kitchen Assistant supports all daily food service operations including dishwashing, sanitation, dining room bussing, basic food preparation assistance, service support (e.g., meal line set up, plating), and stocking. This role plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, orderly, and supportive dining environment that promotes food safety standards, health, dignity, and recovery for program clients. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDishwashing & Sanitation* Operate commercial dishwashing machines; wash, rinse, sanitize, and properly store cookware, utensils, smallware’s, and service equipment.* Maintain cleanliness of sinks, drains, dish machine, floors, walls, and trash/recycling areas; complete daily/weekly cleaning logs.* Maintain accurate temperature logs for all hot and cold food items and refrigeration units to ensure compliance with food safety standards.* Follow proper chemical handling, dilution, and labeling; replace sanitizing solutions per policy.* Sweep/mop BOH areas; promptly address spills and hazards; keep floors dry using floor mats and wet floor signage.Back of House (BOH) Support* Set up and break down meal service lines, stock utensils, napkins, beverages, condiments, and disposables.* Assist with receiving, dating, labeling, rotating (FIFO), and storing deliveries; restock coolers, dry storage, and paper goods.* Collect, sort, and remove trash, compost, and recyclables, compact and stage for pickup.* Maintain organization of BOH areas (storage shelves, walk ins, chemical closets) to departmental standards.Basic Prep & Service Assistance* Support simple prep tasks as directed (e.g., washing/peeling produce, portioning, pan lining, tray setup).* Serve food on the service line during scheduled meal periods and return used wares to the dishwashing area after service.* Sanitize and maintain coffee machines, soda machines, and related beverage equipment to ensure cleanliness, safety, and proper functionality.* Provide courteous, professional support to clients and staff during service while maintaining appropriate boundaries.Safety, Compliance & Teamwork* Adhere to all food safety, personal hygiene, and illness reporting requirements; wear required PPE.* Complete opening/closing and cleaning checklists accurately and on time.* Report equipment maintenance needs or safety hazards immediately.* Protect client privacy and follow HIPAA and organizational confidentiality policies.* Support a positive, solution oriented team culture.Additional Duties and Scope of Responsibility* The duties listed represent the essential functions of the position and are not exhaustive.* Employees may be assigned additional job related duties, consistent with their role, training, licensure (if applicable), and applicable laws, to support operations, regulatory compliance, safety, and client care.COMPETENCIES ## Adaptability* Adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, accepts criticism and feedback, and changes approach or method to best fit the situation.## Communication* Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally and in written form. Exhibits good listening and comprehension, keeps others adequately informed, and selects and uses appropriate communication methods.## Conflict Resolution* Identifies and addresses conflicts in a timely manner, facilitates open communication, seeks mutually beneficial solutions, and maintains a positive working environment.## Customer Service* Displays courtesy and sensitivity, manages difficult or emotional customer situations, meets commitments, responds promptly to customer needs, and solicits customer feedback to improve services.## Dependability* Responds to requests for service and assistance, follows instructions, responds to management direction, takes responsibility for own actions, commits to doing the best job possible, keeps commitments, and meets attendance and punctuality guidelines.## Job Knowledge* Competent in required job skills and knowledge, exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills, keeps abreast of current developments, requires minimal supervision, displays understanding of how job relates to others, uses resources effectively.## Judgment* Use sound judgment in food preparation, sanitation, and workplace safety while maintaining professional boundaries in a behavioral health environment.## Problem Solving* Identifies problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully, develops alternative solutions.## QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSExperience* Minimum of six (6) months in a commercial kitchen, hospitality, health care, or janitorial role preferred (will train the right candidate). (preferred).* Bilingual in English and Spanish (read, write, and speak proficiently). (preferred)Education* High School Diploma or GED. (required)Certifications* Must hold current CPR and First Aid certification or obtain certification within 30 days of hire (training provided by employer)* California/Riverside County–approved Food Handler’s Card (must be obtained prior to start date). (required)Other Requirements* Valid California identification card or driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. No driving is required for this position.* Successful completion of FBI/DOJ fingerprint clearance, negative TB test, and pre employment drug screening, consistent with regulatory requirements.* Ability to work flexible hours, and weekends shifts as operationally required.Regulatory & Program Compliance RequirementsAs an employee of a licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment facility, staff must meet and maintain all regulatory requirements, including:* Adhering to the Company’s drug free workplace standards and all DHCS licensing requirements.* Employees in recovery from substance use must maintain a minimum of two (2) years of continuous sobriety, consistent with SUD program standards for client facing, safety sensitive, and supportive care roles.* This position is classified as *safety sensitive* and requires ongoing compliance with the Company’s drug free workplace, safety, and emergency response policies, including random drug testing, consistent with applicable law and regulatory requirements to ensure client and workplace safety.Knowledge & Skills* Basic knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and workplace safety practices in a commercial kitchen environment.* Ability to safely use kitchen tools and equipment under supervision, including knives, dishwashing equipment, food prep tools, and cleaning supplies.* Understanding of food temperature awareness, cleanliness standards, and proper storage practices to support food safety compliance.* Awareness of food allergens and dietary restrictions, with the ability to follow instructions to prevent cross contamination.* Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately and carry out assigned kitchen support tasks efficiently.* Ability to work effectively in a fast paced kitchen environment while maintaining attention to safety, cleanliness, and quality standards.* Working knowledge of HIPAA, confidentiality standards, and regulatory requirements applicable to licensed SUD treatment facilitiesPHYSICAL, SENSORY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALIFICATIONSThe physical and environmental conditions described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. *Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions, in accordance with applicable law.*Physical RequirementsThis position primarily operates in a commercial kitchen environment. The role requires sufficient physical ability and mobility to:* Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout scheduled shifts while performing continuous kitchen and food preparation duties.* Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull food items, pots, pans, and kitchen supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.* Ability to safely perform repetitive movements involving grasping, cutting, chopping, stirring, reaching, and handling kitchen tools and equipment.* Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach as required to access work surfaces, storage areas, and kitchen equipment at various heights.* Ability to move quickly and safely within a fast paced kitchen environment to meet production and service timelines.* Performing CPR and other emergency response procedures as required by the position, following training and organizational protocols.Vision Requirements* Ability to visually monitor food preparation, cooking processes, and work areas to ensure accuracy, quality, and safety, with or without reasonable accommodation.* Ability to read temperature gauges, labels, recipes, cleaning instructions, and safety signage in a commercial kitchen setting.Communication Requirements* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other departments verbally and in writing, with or without reasonable accommodation.* Ability to receive, understand, and respond to verbal instructions, safety alerts, and emergency announcements in a timely manner.Work Environment* Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment with regular exposure to heat, steam, hot surfaces, sharp tools, and kitchen equipment.* The position involves inherent slip, trip, and burn hazards associated with food service operations and requires constant situational awareness.* Exposure to food odors, cleaning chemicals, noise, and varying temperatures consistent with commercial kitchen operations.* Requires the ability to work efficiently and safely in a fast paced, high volume kitchen setting while maintaining cleanliness and compliance with food safety standards. #J-18808-Ljbffr