Assistant Cook

Priority Dispatch Corp.; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority Dispatch Corp. is seeking a kitchen assistant to prepare meals and snacks in accordance with Head Start standards. You will follow recipes, manage inventory, and ensure safety and sanitation in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Responsibilities include heating and portioning food, ordering groceries, maintaining equipment, and supporting staff across sites as needed. Strong math, organization, and communication skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• High school education or GED required.
• Knowledge of sanitation procedures and safety practices.
• Ability to read and follow recipes.
• Willingness to travel to other sites if required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals and snacks per USDA/Head Start standards.
• Heat, portion, and assemble high-quality foods.
• Maintain sanitation and safety procedures during service.
• Prepare weekly grocery orders and inventory supplies.
• Assist with classroom and laundry tasks as needed.

Skills

Safety awareness

Mathematical calculations

Organizational skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

English literacy

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for preparing meals and snacks per USDA and Head Start standards and maintaining assigned areas.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPrepares high quality, high quantity nutritional food, following standardized recipes as directed by the Food Services Supervisor.Responsible for heating and portioning of high quality and high quantity nutritional foods.Adheres to prescribed sanitation and safety procedures, i.e. proper food temperatures, storage and preparation guidelines. Follows HACCP guidelines.Prepares weekly grocery orders, weekly milk orders, monthly paper/cleaning supply orders, checks in grocery deliveries, and inventories food supplies.Assembles food, dishes, utensils, and supplies needed for timely meal preparation.Washes dishes, pots, pans, and utensils using approved sanitation methods.Completes routine maintenance of kitchen and equipment.Responsible for monthly maintenance of ice machine.Demonstrates knowledge of and follows FIFO guidelines.Responsible for following allergy care plans and determining allergy substitute foods.Completes and maintains all required forms and documentation.Responsible for documentation of in-kind contributions.Demonstrates on-going professionalism.Responsible to help with staffing issues, by working at other sites, as directed by the Food Service Supervisor.Responsible for laundry service.Assist the DST in the classroom when needed.SPECIFIC JOB SKILLSHigh level of safety awareness.Ability to make accurate mathematical computations.Good organizational and time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.Ability to work independently.Strong interpersonal skills.Ability to read, write, and understand English.Sensitive to the needs of young children; willing and able to relate to children and adults from all ethnic, racial, religious, or socioeconomic backgrounds.May be required to have the ability to drive, including travel to other sites, trainings, etc.JOB CONDITIONSPhysical effort as a part of the regular work routine. This includes: seeing, hearing, continuous standing and walking, regular bending, stooping, and kneeling, going up and down stairs, regular lifting up to 50 pounds, and carrying of lightweight materials.Preparing of food which includes frequent use of sharp utensils, and exposure to cleaning solvents.Required mental functions: reading, calculating simple math, and withstanding moderate levels of stress.WORK HABITS• Required work habits include regular attendance, teamwork, initiative, dependability, and promptness.EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCEHigh School Diploma or GED; or willing to actively pursue GED in order to successfully complete.One year of food service work experience with demonstrated knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures, preferred.