Food Service Operations Assistant

$1,200 Sign-On Bonus for Those Who Qualify!

Do you enjoy cooking while also keeping operations organized and running smoothly? Unity House is seeking a Food Service Operations Assistant to provide both administrative support and hands-on kitchen assistance for our Nutritional Services program.

This unique role is ideal for someone who has strong cooking and food preparation experience, excellent organizational skills, and the flexibility to support daily operations wherever needed. You'll work closely with the Head of Nutritional Services to ensure our meal program operates efficiently while stepping into the kitchen to assist with food production and service coverage.

Schedule: Monday–Friday. Hours vary based on operational and staffing needs and may be scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Operational Support

• Provide administrative support to the Head of Nutritional Services, including scheduling, correspondence, and document preparation.
• Maintain accurate records, files, production reports, and operational documentation.
• Assist with purchasing food and supplies, inventory tracking, and monitoring product usage.
• Complete data entry, reporting, and tracking of program metrics.
• Answer phones, respond to emails, and assist with inquiries from staff, vendors, and partners.
• Maintain food service compliance documentation, including temperature logs, production records, sanitation records, and training documentation.
• Support daily operational coordination to ensure smooth kitchen and meal service operations.

Kitchen & Food Service Support

• Prepare and cook meals following established recipes and production schedules.
• Assist with food preparation, portioning, packaging, plating, and meal service.
• Provide kitchen coverage during staff absences, vacations, or high-volume service periods.
• Receive, inspect, store, and rotate food and supply deliveries using proper food safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen in accordance with health department regulations.
• Support special events, catering functions, and agency programs as needed.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous cooking or commercial food service experience is required.
• Previous administrative or office support experience required.
• Experience with inventory management, ordering, or food production records is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to multitask and transition between office and kitchen responsibilities throughout the day.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
• Reliable, detail-oriented, and flexible to meet changing operational and staffing needs.
• Valid New York State driver's license.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work in both office and kitchen environments, including exposure to heat, cold, and commercial kitchen equipment.

Work Environment

This position regularly transitions between administrative office duties and active kitchen operations. Flexibility is essential, as priorities may change throughout the day based on meal production schedules and staffing coverage.

Benefits

• 13 paid vacation days in your first year of full-time employment (increases with tenure)
• 56 hours of New York State Sick Leave
• 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• Major Medical Leave
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions after one year
• Tuition reimbursement
• 50% discount on childcare tuition at A Child's Place
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, cell phone service, and educational programs

Join an organization that cares about its employees, the people we serve, and our community. If you're passionate about food service, enjoy keeping operations organized, and thrive in a team environment, we'd love to hear from you!

Unity House is a Rensselaer County-based human service agency that provides a wide range of services to meet the otherwise unmet needs of people in our community who are hurting and struggling. We assist those who are living in poverty, adults living with mental illness or HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, and children with developmental delays. We work to achieve social justice in our community and to create a better understanding of those we serve. 

As An Equal Opportunity Employer, we commit ourselves to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, age, sex, creed, disability, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics national origin, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, military status, pregnancy related condition, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.