Kitchen Assistant

Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois; Sycamore (KY); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Paid holidays & bereavement leave

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Opportunities for growth and developm​

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Voluntary Action Center (VAC) in DeKalb County, IL, is seeking a part-time Kitchen Assistant to support our Nutrition Program and help prepare meals for Meals on Wheels clients. This role offers up to 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.

to 2 p.m., with occasional holiday shifts eligible for premium pay. If you enjoy hands-on work and thrive in a team, your efforts will directly impact community members who rely on nourishing meals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior kitchen or food service experience preferred.
• Experience with batch or large-scale food preparation preferred.
• Illinois Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Reliable, team-oriented, and community-focused.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and package meals for delivery through Meals on Wheels.
• Support daily kitchen operations in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, dishwashers, slicers, steam tables).
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards.
• Assist with dishwashing, storage, and inventory organization.
• Support batch cooking as needed.
• Collaborate with team to ensure timely, high-quality service.

Skills

Excellent time management

Teamwork

Food safety knowledge

Ability to follow instructions

Strong communication

Positive attitude

Education

High school diploma or GED

Illinois Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain within 30 days

Job description

Description

Join a team where your work truly makes a difference. At Voluntary Action Center (VAC), we have proudly served our community for over 50 years by delivering more than just meals, we provide connection, dignity, and care to seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on us every day.

We are currently seeking a part‑time Kitchen Assistant to support our Nutrition Program and help prepare meals that reach clients across DeKalb County. This position offers up to 25 hours per week, working Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with occasional holiday shifts eligible for premium pay.

If you enjoy hands‑on work, thrive in a team environment, and want to know your efforts truly matter then this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare and package meals for delivery through our Meals on Wheels program
• Support daily kitchen operations in a fast-paced, team‑oriented environment
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, dishwashers, slicers, steam tables, etc.)
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards
• Assist with dishwashing, storage, and inventory organization
• Step in to support batch cooking as needed
• Collaborate with team members to ensure timely, high‑quality service

Why Join VAC?

• Purpose‑driven work = see the impact of what you do every day
• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays & bereavement leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunities for growth and development
• A supportive, mission‑focused team culture

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED
• Previous kitchen or food service experience
• Experience with batch or large‑scale food preparation preferred
• Illinois Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Reliable, team‑oriented, and positive attitude
• Passion for serving your community

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Strong time management and communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced kitchen environment

Physical Abilities

This role requires the ability to work on your feet for most of the shift in a busy kitchen environment that may be warm and physically active. The position involves frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting items typically between 10-20 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds, as well as repetitive use of hands and arms.

Voluntary Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by law.