Kitchen Assistant - Norman Shelter

Salvation Army; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Norman, OK is seeking a kitchen/meal program helper to support food donation pickups, preparation, serving, and dining room cleanup for shelter meals. The role emphasizes safe food handling, portion control, and efficient kitchen operations.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED and at least one year in a kitchen setting. Responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness, managing inventory, and potentially cross-training as a shelter monitor.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED and one year of kitchen experience.
• Food Handlers License or ability to obtain one.
• Valid Driver’s License required.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform prolonged standing/walking.

Responsibilities

• Picks up food donations using Salvation Army vehicle and unloads at the Shelter.
• Prepares and serves food items to shelter guests and the public, ensuring proper portions.
• Maintains cleanliness of kitchen and dining areas; cleans equipment and sanitizes surfaces.
• Stores, refrigerates, and defrosts foods; monitors expiration dates and disposal.
• Maintains inventory levels, prepares PO requests, and supports monthly menu planning.

Skills

Food preparation

Serving

Dishwashing & cleaning

Inventory control

Menu planning

Volunteer supervision

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Job SummaryPicks up food donations locally, prepares for and accepts meal deliveries from RSK (Red Shield Kitchen); prepares food items that will be served; prepare dining room for meals and performs dining room and kitchen clean-up; cleans kitchen equipment and washes dishes; sweeps and mops dining room and kitchen floors.Essential FunctionsPick Up of Food Donations (15%)Using Salvation Army vehicle, picks up food from local businesses donating food for use at the Shelter.Unloads food at Shelter and stores appropriately.Food Preparation and Serving (60%)Prepares and serves food items to shelter guests and public, ensuring appropriate proportions are providedAssists in serving meals such as, but not limited to, snacks, salads, beverages, and deserts in accordance with acceptable and economical cooking methods; washes and chops fruits and vegetables; prepares beverage.Serves meals ensuring appropriate portions are provided; prepares plates for persons requiring additional assistance. Performs all kitchen work in accordance with health regulations as it relates to food preparation, food serving and storageMaintains orderly freezer and walk-in storage units; cleans and defrosts as needed.Stores, refrigerates, and freezes foods in a safe and economical manner; monitors expiration dates on all foods ensuring proper disposal of food with expired dates.Cleaning and Janitorial (20%)Washes, dries, and stores pots, pans, plates, glasses, cups, bowls, and utensils; gathers and prepares items that are to be returned to location they came from, ensuring that all are properly washed and ready for pick up/delivery.Cleans tables, chairs, floors, dishes, utensils, kitchen appliances and condiment holdersSweep and mop kitchen and dining room floor dailyCleans refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, coffee makers, stoves, and ovensStocks food, beverages, and supplies in an orderly and safe mannerEmpties trash cans and ensure they are cleaned dailyMaintains a high degree of cleanliness in the kitchen and dining room; ensures that all meals are prepared in a safe manner; ensures all kitchen personnel and volunteers practice proper personal hygiene; monitors the work of volunteers in the kitchen; ensures compliance with health regulations.Other (5%)Creates monthly menu plansMaintains inventory at acceptable levels, prepares PO and submits to supervisor for approvalCross train to serve as shelter monitor as neededPerforms other related work as requiredMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREDEducation and ExperienceHigh School diploma or G.E.D AND one year experience working in a kitchen OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilitiesCertifications/LicensesFood Handlers License or ability to get oneValid Driver’s License RequiredPhysical RequirementsAbility to meet attendance requirementsDuties are usually performed by frequent walking and/or standing, kneeling, or squattingAbility to carry and load pans of food, up to 50 pounds at a time.Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, lifting, standing, and climbing.