Kitchen Assistant

Kids for the Future; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids for the Future is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to support cooks in daily food service operations for ECIP, YDP, and other agency programs. You will help with food prep, service, and maintaining hygiene and stock in a busy kitchen. Sun and Mon 9am–6pm with PRN opportunities.

The role requires ability to work in a team, follow safety protocols, and communicate clearly. Requires HS diploma or GED and basic computer skills; valid KS driver license preferred; background checks required.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• 1 yr. experience with industrial cooking equipment preferred.
• 1 yr. experience with food preparation preferred.
• Basic understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
• Must be proficient in basic computer skills.
• Must have good command of the English language; read and write clearly.
• Criminal background, abuse registry checks, and other background checks.
• Valid Kansas driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of all food as needed.
• Washing and putting away dishes; keep kitchen clean and organized.
• Prepare ECIP snacks and set up food carts for ECIP breakfast.
• Prepare snacks for YDP program and help serve lunch.
• May float to other agency kitchens to assist as needed.
• Assist Head Cook and Cook with kitchen cleanup.
• Assist with in-house catering deliveries for board lunches.
• Wash kitchen linens; maintain hygiene and safety standards.

Skills

Effective communication

Customer focused

Accountability

Reliability

Trust/Integrity

Time management

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Problem solving

Open to feedback

Confidentiality

Culturally respectful

Education

HS diploma or GED

Job description

• Base Pay $17.30 / Hour
• Travel 25%
• Manage Others No

Sun and Mon 9am – 6pm and PRN opportunities

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kitchen Assistant supports the cooks in the daily operation of a food services. This role will help prepare and serve all food as needed for agency programs to include: the Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP); Youth Development Program (YDP); Center for Crisis & Healing; and Recovery Center. Additional meal preparation and service is required for Agency staff and, on occasion Agency events held on the Agency campus. This role assists with maintaining the kitchen is clean, organized, and fully stocked while helping with basic food preparation and maintaining hygiene standards.

During times when primary responsibilities are limited, the Kitchen Assistant may be asked to assist in other areas as needed to support overall operations, regardless of the specific role.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assisting with the preparation of all food as needed.
• Washing and putting away all dishes.
• Helping to keep the kitchen clean and organized.
• Prepare ECIP snacks.
• Set up food carts for ECIP breakfast and snacks including food and dishes.
• Prepare and set up all snacks for YDP program.
• Help serve lunch when needed.
• May float to other agency kitchens to assist as needed.
• Assisting Head Cook and Cook in kitchen clean up.
• Assisting with setup and delivery of in house catering for board and foundations lunches.
• Washing kitchen linens and other kitchen laundry once a week.
• De-liming the dishwashing machine once a week.
• Demonstrate effective communication to achieve a positive relationship internally and externally.
• Establish appropriate and professional boundaries with all individuals. Treat individuals with Dignity and Respect at all times.
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a team as well as individually.
• Assure compliance with department and agency policy and procedures, guidelines, and timelines.

Other Duties

• Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence
• Approach interactions with individuals served and colleagues with a trauma sensitive lens
• Acts as an ambassador of the agency in the community setting, which may include doing public educational and informational presentations.
• Support and actively promote the vision and mission of the agency and the philosophy of the strengths perspective
• Completes required trainings
• Other duties as assigned, as qualified and trained for.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• HS diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• 1 yr. experience with industrial cooking equipment preferred.
• 1 yr. experience with food preparation preferred.
• Basic understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
• Must be proficient in basic computer skills.
• Must have good command of the English language; must be able to read, communicate clearly and therapeutically with persons served and staff, both verbally and in writing, in a professional manner.
• Successful completion of criminal background check and DCF Child & Adult Abuse Registry check, and other applicable background investigations.
• Possess a valid Kansas driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Customer focused (internal and external)
• Accountability
• Reliability
• Trust/Integrity
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Relationship building
• Problem Solving
• Open to learning and accepting feedback
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
• Culturally respectful

PHYSCIAL DEMANDS

N (Not Applicable)

Activity is not applicable to this position.

O (Occasionally)

Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 – 2.5+ hrs/day)

F (Frequently)

Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 – 5.5+ hrs/day)

C (Constantly)

Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)

Physical Demands Lift/Carry

• Stand (F) 10 lbs. or less (F)
• Walk (F) 11 – 20 lbs. (F)
• Sit (O) 21 – 50 lbs. (O)
• Manually Manipulate (F) 51 – 100 lbs. (O with assistance)
• Reach Above Shoulder (O)
• Climb (O) Push/Pull
• Crawl (N) 12 lbs. or less (F)
• Squat or Kneel (O) 26- 40 lbs. (O)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Risk of working with various pieces of kitchen equipment. This position may involve long periods standing, stooping or bending to access spaces. Lifting and carrying equipment or supplies is a requirement. Risk of exposure to aggressive and/or acting out children and youth. Children/youth often express themselves by verbal or physical acting out.

The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.