What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kitchen Assistant position at KeenLogic?
KeenLogic is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to join our team at the House of Representatives Childcare Center on Capitol Hill. The purpose of the House Childcare Center (HRCCC) is to provide full-day, year-round quality childcare for children of the Members of the House of Representatives, their staff, and House support personnel.
The Kitchen Assistant supports daily meal service operations at the House of Representatives Childcare Center (HRCCC), ensuring children receive safe, nutritious meals in a clean and organized environment. This role is responsible for assisting with meal preparation, portioning, quality checks, and maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting a healthy childcare setting.
This position provides staffing support for both planned extended leave (such as parental or medical leave) and short-term, on-call coverage needs. Assignments may be full-time (40 hours per week, Monday–Friday) for defined periods, or short-term based on operational needs. Shifts are scheduled within operating hours (8:00 AM – 6:30 PM) and consist of 8 working hours with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break. Some roles may require availability on short notice.
Required Qualifications
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The Kitchen Assistant supports daily meal service operations at the House of Representatives Childcare Center (HRCCC), ensuring children receive safe, nutritious meals in a clean and organized environment. This role is responsible for assisting with meal preparation, portioning, quality checks, and maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards. The ideal candidate is dependable, detail-oriented, and committed to supporting a healthy childcare setting.
This position provides staffing support for both planned extended leave (such as parental or medical leave) and short-term, on-call coverage needs. Assignments may be full-time (40 hours per week, Monday–Friday) for defined periods, or short-term based on operational needs. Shifts are scheduled within operating hours (8:00 AM – 6:30 PM) and consist of 8 working hours with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break. Some roles may require availability on short notice.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience in food handling or kitchen
- Current Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain before start)
- Good communication and teamwork skills; flexibility to assist in classrooms if needed
- Ability to regularly lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical activities such as bending, stooping, kneeling, walking, pushing, and pulling throughout an 8-hour shift
- Be able to secure and maintain Federal Government security checks as deemed appropriate
- Assist with preparation of catered meals delivered by an outside vendor
- Portion and plate meals according to age-appropriate serving sizes
- Perform quality assurance checks to ensure meals meet safety and nutritional standards
- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen area at all times
- Follow all sanitation and food safety protocols, including proper storage and temperature control
- Ability to proactively observe emerging needs and willingness to take initiative without directives
- Ability to maintain consistent and reliable attendance required. Flexibility with scheduling as needed
- Receive and inspect catered meals upon delivery
- Portion and plate meals for each child based on dietary guidelines
- Check meals for freshness, correct temperature, and compliance with menu requirements
- Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, utensils, and equipment after each use
- Clean dishes using a commercial dishwasher for multiple meal services
- Dispose of waste properly and maintain hygienic conditions
- Work with day care staff to coordinate meal service schedules
- Report any issues with food quality or safety to management immediately
- Perform other duties as assigned
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