Part-time Kitchen Assistant

Do Work That Matters. One Meal at a Time!

Well, you’re in the right place! Forest Grove Foundation is hiring a Part-Time Kitchen Assistant to join our team in Forest Grove, OR!

Key Details:

• Pay: $24/hour
• Benefits: PTO, Sick Time, and Employee Assistance Program
• Location: Forest Grove, OR
• Schedule: Part-time, 16 hours/week, Tuesday & Thursday, 8 – 4 or 9 – 5
• This is a limited‑duration, grant‑funded position with funding for 12 months, with the possibility of extension contingent on future funding

Who We Are: Forest Grove Foundation (FGF) is an emerging non-profit organization focused on poverty related issues serving Western Washington County. We serve individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and provide supportive services for those in substance use recovery.

This next year looks to be an exciting time of new and expanding programming for the organization, including transitional housing, food, and recovery programs, and we’re looking for individuals who want to be a part of the growth!

To learn more, check out our website: https://forestgrovefoundation.org/

Forest Grove Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.

Who You Are: You’re a reliable, compassionate team member who enjoys hands‑on work and showing care through hospitality. You bring patience, respect, and clear communication to your role, and you’re comfortable working in a community space that serves people in recovery and those experiencing homelessness. You don’t need to have all the answers; you’re open to learning, value teamwork, and believe everyone deserves dignity, warmth, and a welcoming place to be. Experience in customer service, hospitality, or food service is important, and training is provided for the rest.

Other qualifications include:

• 1 years’ experience in customer service, hospitality, or commercial kitchens
• Knowledge of food safety protocols and procedures
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Intermediate computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft and Google products
• Experience working with people in recovery and/or experiencing houselessness preferred
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred
• Oregon Food Handlers’ card preferred
• High School Diploma or GED required
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. independently, and assist with heavier items using appropriate tools or team support
• Valid Drivers’ License and clean driving record, to transport kitchen needs in company vehicle
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and professional references check

What You’ll Do: You’ll support daily food service operations at Forest Grove Foundation’s Recovery Café, helping prepare and serve meals, maintain a clean and organized kitchen, and assist with opening and closing tasks. Working alongside a small team, you’ll help create a safe, welcoming environment rooted in the Recovery Café values of Radical Hospitality and Loving Accountability. Your work helps ensure the Café is a consistent, supportive space where guests feel respected, nourished, and cared for as they continue their healing journeys.

A typical day may include:

• Supporting meal service (hot line, buffet, or table service) with a welcoming, customer‑focused approach
• Assisting with food prep, plating, and service while following recipes and food safety practices
• Cleaning, dishwashing, and keeping kitchen, program areas, and vehicles organized and sanitary
• Receiving and putting away deliveries; flagging missing items to a supervisor
• Working as part of a team to promote safety, clear communication, and smooth daily operations
• Safely using kitchen tools and equipment (training provided)
• Transporting food and laundry using the Food Program vehicle
• Sharing responsibility for inventory, facilities care, and general housekeeping
• Forest Grove Foundation is part of the Recovery Café Network. During Café operations, all employees will participate in maintaining an environment that supports people in recovery on their healing journeys, honoring Recovery Café’s core values of Radical Hospitality and Loving Accountability. Learn more about the Recovery Café Network here.

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• This role is part-time, 16 hours/week, with a schedule of Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8 - 4 or 9 - 5. Does this schedule work for you?
• This kitchen is part of a Recovery Cafe, providing meals and resources for people experiencing homelessness and accessing substance use recovery services.

Do you have any experience (personal or lived) working with this population? If not, are you comfortable working in this environment?

• Do you have at least a year of experience in customer service, hospitality, or commercial kitchens?
• Do you have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record for the past five years? This is a requirement to get on the company insurance and drive the company vehicle for kitchen needs.

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24