Kitchen Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting the Director of Culinary Services & Education in all areas of food service, including meal preparation, record keeping and sanitation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works with Director of Culinary Services & Education to prepare nutritious breakfast, lunch afternoon snacks, and dinner for shelter residents.
• Willingness to learn and comply with USDA meal patterns.
• Follow the planned menus and production records unless a substitution has been approved.
• Transports meals to other centers, if needed.
• Assists with preparing foods that meet special dietary requirements and assists with posting appropriate information regarding special diets and allergies.
• Maintains a running list of foods and supplies needed.
• Assists with or completes inventory at the end of each cycle of menus.
• Follows CACFP meal pattern chart regarding food components and required portion size by age.
• Assists with completing monthly kitchen observation and safety checklist.
• Assists with maintaining inventory for kitchen equipment and supplies.
• Maintains a Safe and Sanitary Food Service Environment, including sweeping/cleaning kitchen floors, as needed, cleaning the kitchen at the end of each day, and keeping the pantry clean and organized.
• Washes and air dry all dishes and put them away in the appropriate place each day.
• Wear a clean and appropriate uniform, head covering, and shoes.
• Cleans refrigerator, freezer and ice machines, as needed.
• Sanitizes all food preparation areas and utensils after each use.
• Keeps cabinets and drawers in an orderly manner.
• Labels and stores all food items properly.
• Labels, dates and properly store all refrigerated foods (airtight container).
• Attend all staff meetings.
• Displays understanding of CACFP regulations, licensing requirements and Head Start Program Performance Standards.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform. Duties and responsibilities can be changed, expanded, reduced, or delegated by management to meet the business needs of Our House.

Qualifications:

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must complete required initial and annual training related to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and nutrition.

Experience

• Previous experience supporting kitchen operations in a food service, residential, or educational setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to follow food safety and sanitation guidelines in compliance with local health regulations.
• Previously assisted with basic food preparation, portioning, and plating under the direction of kitchen leadership.
• Prior experience receiving, unpacking, and properly storing food deliveries and kitchen supplies.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen environment.

Schedule Requirements:

• In-office, 40-hour workweek, Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
• May be required to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays depending on meal schedules or programming needs.

Skills:

• Knowledge of basic food preparation techniques and kitchen operations.
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., ServSafe guidelines).
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Team-oriented with a cooperative and positive attitude.
• Dependability and punctuality in supporting daily kitchen routines.
• Basic inventory and food storage knowledge.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to support a collaborative kitchen environment.
• Must adhere to all health and safety regulations to maintain a clean and compliant kitchen environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and be on feet for extended periods during the shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform repetitive movements.
• Manual dexterity to handle kitchen utensils, equipment, and cleaning supplies safely.
• Tolerance for working in hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and respond quickly in case of an emergency.

Health Requirements:

• Proof of Tuberculosis (TB) test clearance required prior to employment.
• Must comply with any additional health screenings or vaccinations required by Our House or other regulatory agencies.

Other Requirements:

• Maintains Serve Safe credential (training provided).
• Maintains First Aid CPR credential (training provided).

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in a commercial or institutional kitchen setting.
• Exposure to hot surfaces, sharp utensils, cleaning chemicals, and varying temperatures is common.
• Requires interaction with kitchen staff, supervisors, and occasionally residents, students, or clients.

Salary Statement:

The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual salary offered is determined by considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, and certifications or other professional licenses held.