Kitchen Assistant

I. Position Summary

The Kitchen Assistant plays an essential role in the daily operation and continuity of The Community Kitchen's Hot Meals program. The position's primary responsibilities include dishwashing, sanitation, kitchen maintenance, and support for daily meal service.

The Kitchen Assistant is cross-trained to provide basic culinary and meal-service coverage in the absence of the Hot Meals Manager. This includes following established menus and instructions, reheating and serving previously prepared meals, managing available inventory, coordinating volunteers, and completing all required food-safety and closing procedures.

The Hot Meals Manager remains responsible for menu planning and providing meal-preparation instructions. The Kitchen Assistant is expected to carry out those instructions safely and reliably, working independently within established procedures to maintain continuity of the Hot Meals program when the manager is unavailable.

This position requires reliability, attention to detail, basic culinary skills, a strong commitment to food safety, and the ability to work collaboratively with staff and volunteers in a busy community kitchen.

II. Primary Duties and ResponsibilitiesA. Dishwashing, Sanitation, and Kitchen Maintenance

· Operate the commercial dishwasher and three-compartment sink in accordance with established procedures and food-safety requirements.

· Wash, sanitize, and properly store cookware, dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe dishwashing station throughout the shift.

· Keep kitchen work areas, floors, and equipment clean and free of unnecessary clutter.

· Clean and maintain the commercial dishwasher at the end of the shift, following equipment-specific procedures.

· Sweep and mop the kitchen floor and thoroughly clean the dishwashing area before leaving.

· Maintain the dining room dish and waste station during meal service, collecting dirty dishes and managing waste as needed.

· Remove trash and compost from kitchen and dining areas, take waste to the appropriate disposal locations, and replace liners as needed.

· Follow established procedures for handling cleaning chemicals, preventing cross-contamination, and maintaining a safe working environment.

B. Meal Preparation, Service, and Culinary Backup

· Coordinate with the Hot Meals Manager regarding daily meal preparation, service requirements, and operational priorities.

· Assist with food preparation and complete assigned culinary tasks as needed.

· Follow established menus, recipes, written instructions, and meal-preparation procedures provided by the Hot Meals Manager.

· Reheat previously prepared and frozen meals using established procedures, ensuring food reaches required temperatures and is held and served safely.

· Follow established procedures for thawing, reheating, temperature monitoring, food storage, labeling, and the safe use of leftovers.

· Prepare the serving line for dinner service, including turning on steam-table wells and arranging food and serving equipment for efficient service.

· Organize and carry out dinner service when the Hot Meals Manager is absent, using available prepared inventory and established operating procedures.

· Monitor the serving line and communicate concerns or unsafe practices to the appropriate supervisor.

· Help maintain a welcoming, respectful, and orderly dining environment.

· Encourage guests to follow established dining room cleanup procedures.

· Complete end-of-service responsibilities, including proper food storage or disposal, cleaning, sanitation, and securing assigned areas.

· Maintain the culinary skills and program knowledge necessary to provide basic kitchen coverage during the Hot Meals Manager's planned or unplanned absences.

C. General Cleaning and Facility Support

· Check bathrooms at the beginning and end of the shift. Clean sinks and toilets as needed, and sweep and mop floors at the end of the night.

· Empty bathroom trash when receptacles are approximately two-thirds full or as needed.

· Empty trash receptacles in the registration area, inner office, kitchen office, and other designated areas at least weekly and more frequently as needed.

· Sweep registration and office floors and vacuum area rugs as needed.

· Assist with closing procedures and ensure assigned areas are clean, orderly, and ready for the next operating day.

· Report equipment problems, maintenance needs, safety hazards, and supply shortages promptly to the appropriate supervisor.

D. Safety, Teamwork, and Other Responsibilities

· Follow all applicable food-safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and facility procedures.

· Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including designated protective gloves and other equipment, whenever required for a task.

· Follow established safety procedures and applicable workplace safety requirements, including instructions for the safe handling of hot water, chemicals, equipment, and other kitchen hazards.

· Promptly communicate unsafe conditions, equipment problems, injuries, or other safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor.

· Work respectfully and collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and guests.

· Complete assigned tasks reliably and communicate with the supervisor when priorities, instructions, or safety concerns require clarification.

· Perform other related duties as reasonably assigned to support the effective operation of The Community Kitchen.

III. Reporting Relationships

The Kitchen Assistant reports directly to the Hot Meals Manager and works collaboratively with other staff and volunteers.

When the Hot Meals Manager is absent, the Kitchen Assistant is responsible for carrying out established meal-preparation and service procedures and coordinating volunteers as needed to maintain continuity of the Hot Meals program.

This position does not have ongoing personnel management responsibilities.

IV. Qualifications and Requirements

· Commitment to The Community Kitchen's mission, vision, and values.

· Current basic ServSafe credentials, maintained throughout employment.

· Basic culinary skills and the ability to follow recipes, written instructions, and established food-preparation procedures, including safe thawing, reheating, temperature monitoring, and food storage.

· Ability to learn and consistently follow food-safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.

· Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the proper use and handling of commercial cleaning products and chemicals.

· Ability and willingness to wear required PPE and follow established safety procedures and instructions.

· Ability to work effectively and respectfully with staff, volunteers, and guests in a busy environment.

· Reliability, punctuality, attention to detail, and the ability to complete assigned tasks independently.

· Ability to recognize and report unfinished tasks, safety risks, equipment problems, and opportunities to improve established procedures.

· Ability to stand and move for extended periods, perform repetitive tasks, work in varying kitchen temperatures, and lift up to 40 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

V. General Statement

This job description describes the general nature, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every duty or skill required. Responsibilities may change as organizational needs evolve.

The Community Kitchen, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $19