Kitchen Assistant (HLC)

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a Kitchen Assistant to help maintain a clean, safe kitchen and dining area while supporting the mission to serve those in need. The role emphasizes safe food handling, proper sanitation, and teamwork across shifts.

Responsibilities include dishwashing, food preparation support, inventory organization, and assisting cooks during service. A High School Diploma is preferred, and background checks are required; Serv Safe certification

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Background Checks: A background check is required and reviewed.
• Experience: None required.
• Certifications: Safe From Harm training within 90 days; Serv Safe within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Dispose of food residue using garbage disposal and related cleanup tasks.
• Wash dishes in three-compartment sinks with proper chemicals and ratios.
• Wash dishes at safe temperatures for food safety.
• Store kitchen supplies in appropriate locations.
• Empty trash after each service and ensure containers are clean.
• Sweep and mop floors after shifts or as needed.
• Wipe tables and clean sinks and dish tanks.
• Clean and maintain the Utility Room and mop buckets.
• Break down boxes and assist in meal preparation and stocking.
• Assist in serving line when needed and follow Cook on duty.
• Wear appropriate attire for safe food handling: apron, hair net, gloves, closed-toe shoes.
• Attend in-service and staff meetings; participate in pantry and donation programs.

Skills

English proficiency

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Safe food handling

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Salvation Army Mission Statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army Mission Statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Salary Range starting at: $13.00/per hour

Job Objective

As the Kitchen Assistant ensures a safe and clean operational environment in the Kitchen and Dining Room while ensuring that the Mission of The Salvation Army is effectively carried out.

What You Will Do

• Dispose of food residue via utilization of garbage disposal
• Wash dishes in 3 compartment sinks with appropriate chemicals and water ratio including, but not limited to, soap, sanitizer, and rinse
• Wash dishes at proper temperature for safety
• Place kitchen supplies (dishes, pots, pans, etc.) in proper storage locations
• Empty trash after each service or meal
• Ensure trash containers are clean and free of residue
• Sweep and mop floors after each shift at minimum or more frequently as needed
• Wipe tables
• Empty trash
• Clean sinks
• Clean Dish Tank Room floors and clear grids
• Store all items properly
• Clean and maintain Utility Room in working order
• Rinse mops and hang properly to dry
• Clean mop buckets and store properly
• Clean trash containers weekly at minimum or more frequently as needed
• Clean equipment as scheduled at minimum or more frequently as needed
  • Grill
  • Fryer
  • Tilt Skillet
  • Food Shredder
  • Meat Slicer
  • Oven
  • Mixer
  • Walls
• Break down empty boxes and dispose of in dumpster
• Assist in making sack lunches
• Assist in serving line when needed
• Assist and follow instructions of Cook on duty
• Cross train to additional tasks as directed
• Participate in food donation and pantry program as directed
• Wear appropriate attire and equipment for safe food handling at all times
  • Apron
  • Hair net
  • Gloves
  • Clean uniform
  • Closed toed, non-skid shoes
• Communicate appropriately to leadership
• Attend monthly in-service meetings
• Attend staff meetings
• Assist other departments as needed or directed
• Maintain attendance in accordance with facility guidelines
• Contribute to a positive work environment
• Demonstrate teamwork
• Other tasks as assigned by leadership

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred

Background Checks: Position requires a background check to be completed, and all background check results will be reviewed. Must be 18 years of age or older

Experience: None Required

Certifications: Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver’s qualification standard; must complete Safe From Harm training within the first 90 days of employment. Serv Safe Food Handler certification required within 6 months.

Skills/Abilities

• Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and competency in using industrial and typical Kitchen equipment and supplies (i.e., dishwashing machine, garbage disposal, 3-compartment sink, mop, bucket, broom, dustpan, trach bags, cleaning supplies, towels, apron, hair net, gloves, etc.)
• Must demonstrate understanding of safe food handling practices in an industrial kitchen environment

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical Requirements Include

• Good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity
• Lifting, pulling, and pushing of materials up to 50 pounds
• Require bending, squatting, walking.
• Requires standing for extended

Travel

No travel required

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an industrial kitchen environment; Working conditions may include occasional exposure to chemicals and dust. Standard safety precautions needed…may require some weekend and evening work

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.