Dishwasher

Hope The Mission Dishwasher Position

The mission of Hope the Mission is to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

Position Purpose and Summary

A kitchen that serves thousands of people experiencing homelessness runs on more than culinary skill. It runs on cleanliness, order, and the unglamorous work that makes everything else possible. The Dishwasher is essential to that foundation.

Reporting to the Chef de Cuisine, the Dishwasher is responsible for the continuous sanitation and organization of HTM's HQ kitchen — washing dishes, pots, pans, and utensils; cleaning and maintaining equipment; keeping floors, stations, and storage areas clean and stocked; and supporting kitchen staff with food preparation, special events, and volunteer-assisted meal service. This is high-volume, physical work in a fast-paced environment where consistency and reliability directly affect the kitchen's ability to function.

The standard here is not adequate — it is rigorous. Food safety regulations are followed without exception. Stations are cleaned and reset at the start and end of every shift. Supplies are restocked before they run out. Equipment problems are reported promptly. At HTM, the kitchen is a direct expression of the organization's mission, and sanitation is not a background task. It is a foundation. The quality and safety of every meal begins with a clean kitchen, and the Dishwasher is accountable for that foundation every day.

Responsibilities

• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils by hand or using dishwashing equipment, ensuring thorough cleanliness and sanitation.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment including mixers, slicers, food processors, ovens, steam kettles, braising pans, and steamers following established procedures.
• Clean, reset, and refill all dish stations and hand sink stations at the beginning and before the end of each shift.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation at all times.
• Sweep and mop all kitchen floors, walk-in refrigerators, freezer, loading dock, and receiving dock daily.
• Organize and clean all kitchen areas including dry storage, refrigeration, and freezer storage.
• Inspect and clean all equipment, kitchen appliances, and work areas to ensure a functional and hygienic environment.
• Report any equipment malfunctions or safety hazards to the Chef de Cuisine promptly.
• Maintain and organize kitchen equipment, tools, and utensils, ensuring they are clean and in good working condition.
• Refill dish soap, hand soap, sanitizer, paper towel dispensers, and glove holders daily.
• Monitor dishwashing supply levels and notify management when inventory is low.
• Follow FIFO procedures and restock inventory as directed.
• Empty trash receptacles regularly and ensure proper disposal of waste in accordance with sanitation guidelines.
• Empty linen bins as needed; organize linens including towels and aprons.
• Follow strict food safety regulations to maintain a safe environment for all.
• Adhere to health and safety regulations, including proper handling of chemicals and cleaning agents.
• Ensure the kitchen meets all regulatory requirements at all times.
• Assist kitchen staff with food preparation, cleaning, and organization as needed to support efficient operations.
• Assist the bakery team, prep cooks, and other Food Services team members as needed.
• Assist with staff meals and special events as needed.
• Work with volunteers and workers who help in meal preparation and service.
• Perform any other tasks assigned with a positive attitude and a willingness to help.

Requirements

• Valid food handler certification required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and sustain physical activity throughout the shift including standing, bending, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality; ability to show up consistently for every scheduled shift.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and variable hours as required by kitchen operations.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a kitchen, food service, or high-volume production environment preferred; demonstrated reliability in a fast-paced setting is equally considered.

Skills

• Basic understanding of sanitation and food safety practices in a food service environment.
• Ability to follow established cleaning and sanitation protocols consistently and with attention to detail.
• Ability to operate and perform basic maintenance on commercial dishwashing equipment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with kitchen staff, volunteers, and other Food Services team members.

Mandatory Requirements:

• Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing – Candidates must pass pre-employment and, if applicable, ongoing drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policy.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check – For roles requiring driving, employment is contingent upon an acceptable driving record.
• Legal Eligibility to Work – Candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Compliance with Company Policies – All employees must comply with company policies, including safety, confidentiality, and conduct standards.

Physical, Demands, Environmental Conditions, Equipment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The employee is required to: walk and climb stairs; stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis; grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead; handle, finger, grasp and feel objects and equipment; reach with hands and arms; be mobile by moving oneself from place to place quickly and easily; repeat various motions with the wrists, hands, and fingers; be able to perform visual activities for (including, but not limited to) administrative and clerical tasks; ability to lift up to 25 lbs.; communicate, receive and exchange ideas, information by means of the spoken and written word; drive vehicles in and around Los Angeles County; be able to enter various buildings that may require climbing stairs; be periodically subjected to outside environmental conditions. The employee may work in proximity to service animals and emotional support animals; use a desktop and/or laptop computer; copy, postage, and fax machines. Complete all required forms in personal writing.

Work Environment :

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the participants' use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal hygiene. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in an office setting. Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure.

EEO: HTM (Hope the Mission) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HTM complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, placement, promotion, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

HTM will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if HTM is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing's Fair Chance Act webpage.