What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant position at Cornerstone Community Outreach?
Job Title: Dishwasher/Kitchen Assistant
Program: Kitchen Services
Organization: Cornerstone Community Outreach
Location: Chicago, IL (Uptown)
Job Type: Part-Time
Reports to: Food Program Director
Pay: $17.50/hour
Organization Description
Cornerstone Community Outreach (CCO) is a well-established Chicago nonprofit—founded in 1989—with a powerful mission: Addressing Homelessness, Providing Shelter, Accepting People, Finding Home.
Located in Uptown, Chicago, our programs provide shelter for single women, single men, intact families, and single parent/guardian families. Our wraparound services include casework, three meals a day, a food pantry, and a “free” store with gently used clothes, baby items, and household items.
We operate four core programs across multiple properties:
- Hannah Shelter, for single mothers and children
- Sylvia Shelter, for intact families of all kinds
- Naomi Shelter for Women
- Naomi Shelter for Men
Job Summary
The kitchen assistant plays a vital role in supporting the daily kitchen operations by assisting with dishwasher and food prepping responsibilities. This role ensures that kitchen operations run smoothly by maintaining food safety standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, and supporting a welcoming dining environment in line with CCO’s mission of hospitality and care.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, food storage, and preparation areas
- Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, pots, pans and kitchen equipment
- Maintain cleanliness and organization in dishwashing and kitchen areas
- Empty trash
- Supervise and provide guidance to volunteers assisting in the kitchen
- Coordinate with staff to ensure timely and efficient meal service
- Report equipment issues or safety concerns promptly to the Food Program Director
- Support CCO’s mission by providing meals in a respectful and hospitable manner
Qualifications
- Previous dishwashing and/or kitchen experience
- Previous cooking experience in a commercial or institutional kitchen
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
- Ability to manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for long periods
- ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)
Other Requirements
- Must pass a background check and sex offender screening
- Some evenings, weekends, and holidays required
Benefits
- Employee funded IL Secure Choice Retirement Fund
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- 9 Paid Holidays per Year
Pay: $17.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
Application Question(s):
- What is your experience with working with individuals experiencing homelessness?
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18