Kitchen Aide - Fortuna (53260)

Humboldt Senior Resource Center is looking for a Kitchen Aide to support our Redwood Coast PACE and Adult Day Health Services programs in Fortuna. The schedule for this position is Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm with a 30-minute lunch.

JOB SUMMARY:  Responsible for food handling, food service, and diet modifications for participants of the Adult Day Health and Redwood Coast PACE program. Performs duties in accordance with food safety guidelines. Facilitates snack, mid-day hot meal, as well as distribution of take-home meals. Responsible for kitchen clean up before and after food service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintains a safe and sanitary environment in all areas of food service and according to program standards and policies.
2. Receives bulk food delivery (snacks and mid-day meal) from the Central Kitchen and utilizes proper food handling techniques to hold, prepare, portion, and serve food following cycle menu directions, while following any special instructions indicated by the Central Kitchen.
3. Prepares and serves meals according to consistency and/or portion modifications as required under the direction of the Registered Dietitian and/or Speech Therapist.
4. Prepares and serves any menu substitutions in accordance with dietary orders.
5. Ensures temperature control of food by maintaining cold foods below 41° F and hot foods above 140° F; refrigerating and/or heating food as necessary. Records temperatures and portions of food and beverages on appropriate charts.
6. Coordinates with employees and volunteers in observing food safety and sanitation protocol while performing kitchen duties. 
7. Distributes take-home frozen meals as participants leave the Day Center.
8. Washes, sanitizes, and stores meal service dishes and trays. Cleans and returns food service trays and pans to the Central Kitchen.  
9. Completes all required documentation.
10. Maintains and tracks the inventory of food and food service supplies.
11. Assumes other duties as required for the preparation, service, and clean-up of meals. Maintains the kitchen, working under the direction of the Therapeutic Services Coordinator.
12. Informs the Therapeutic Services Coordinator of any problems encountered in meal delivery, food service, equipment, and related areas.
13. Participates in training and other meetings as requested by the Therapeutic Services Coordinator.
14. May be required to pivot between programs and/or travel between various satellite sites to provide support.
15. Participates in process of teaching, training, and mentoring student interns and volunteers working within the program area.
16. Acts in manner consistent with agency values.
17. Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION &/or EXPERIENCE:

1. Must have high school diploma or GED equivalent.
2. Experience in food handling, food service, and kitchen sanitation required.
3. Prior experience in texture modification preferred.
4. Has or will have the ability to obtain a Food Service Management Certification through ServSafe.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

1. Ability to acquire Food Handler’s certification upon hire (ServSafe, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, or other approved certification).
2. Current CPR and First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire.

PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Requires clearance of a DOJ and FBI criminal history background check
2. Pre-employment physical and PPD skin test.
3. COVID-19 and Influenza (flu) vaccines preferred.

JOB SKILLS:

1. Ability to follow prepared menus, extend recipes, make close estimates of quantity of food required and to use portion control.
2. Ability to interpret and comply with various agency, program, and food safety requirements.
3. Possess knowledge, skills, and experience with food programs as well as large quantity and progressive cookery.
4. Possess general knowledge of basic nutrition, food sanitation, and food safety.
5. Possess attention to detail and ability to judge food quality.
6. Ability to handle and prepare food in accordance with high quality food preparation, sanitation and safety standards.
7. Ability to use and care for various types of kitchen utensils and equipment.
8. Applies good judgement, resourcefulness, and flexibility to resolve issues and adapt to changing circumstances.
9. Strong verbal and written communication abilities in English; able to convey information clearly and professionally to staff and participants.
10. Builds positive relationships with diverse populations, including aging adults, staff, and community stakeholders.
11. Works effectively as part of a team demonstrating sound listening skills to receive directions and feedback; maintains a cooperative and supportive attitude.
12. Ability to manage time effectively.
13. Remains calm and effective when priorities shift, deadlines change, and unexpected issues arise.
14. Maintains confidentiality, reliability, and ethical standards; consistently demonstrates punctuality, attendance, and responsibility in work performance.
15. Basic knowledge of computers and web-based applications such as timekeeping, training, and email programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. This position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods during food preparation and service. Duties involve frequent bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying food items, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. The role also requires manual dexterity to operate kitchen tools and equipment safely, as well as the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with exposure to heat, steam, and cleaning chemicals.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed.  They are not to be considered an exhaustive list of all job tasks performed.  The agency reserves the right to change job descriptions, work hours or work sites as required by the program.

The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a private, non-profit, multi-purpose senior center providing a continuum of social and health related services. The agency currently holds contracts with the California Department of Aging and Area 1 Agency on Aging.

The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer.  We will not unlawfully discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other basis protected by applicable Federal or State law.

Salary : $21 - $22