Kitchen & Classroom Floater

Northwestern Settlement; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Northwestern Settlement in Chicago seeks a part-time Kitchen & Classroom Floater to support meal prep, service, and classroom routines. The role requires organization, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and collaboration with staff across areas.

Ideal candidates have a High School Diploma or GED, and may have a Certified Food Service Manager credential. Bilingual English/Spanish and CPR/First Aid readiness are preferred or expected within the first year.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred.
• Knowledge of food service and young children’s nutritional needs preferred.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred or required within the first year.
• Background check and fingerprinting as part of onboarding per DCFS/City requirements.

Responsibilities

• Follow procedures when daily meals are delivered by the caterer.
• Prepare and portion catered foods and deliver meals to classrooms.
• Maintain kitchen logs and documentation for food quality and appliances.
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of dishes, utensils, and kitchen areas.
• Assist teachers with daily classroom routines and activities.
• Help create a safe and nurturing environment supporting development.

Skills

Food service knowledge

Nutrition for children

Bilingual English/Spanish

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Safety procedures

CPR/First Aid readiness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certified Food Service Manager certification

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Chicago, IL 60642Salary Range: $18.50 - $18.50 HourlyPosition:Kitchen & Classroom Floater

Reports to:Director of Early Childhood Education

Compensation:$18.50 Hourly

Position Type:Part-time; Monday thru Friday 8am to 1pm

Location:Chicago, IL

For over a century, Northwestern Settlement has been a cornerstone in the West Town community, supporting families through education, social services, and the arts. Our Early Childhood Education program is a vital part of that mission, fostering a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for young children during their most critical years of development and is activelyseeking reliable, energetic, and flexibleKitchen & Classroom Floater to support kitchen operations and classroom activities. The ideal candidate is organized, able to work in a fast-paced environment, and comfortable assisting in multiple areas as needed. Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with staff are essential.

This position supports the daily operation of the program by assisting with meal preparation and service, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and supporting teachers with daily classroom routines and activities. Also, helps to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can grow physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

Responsibilities:

• Follow procedures when daily meals are delivered by the caterer.
• Prepare and portion catered foods and deliver meals to classrooms.
• Maintain kitchen logs and documentation for food quality and appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, etc.).
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitation of dishes, utensils, and kitchen areas.
• Assist teachers with daily classroom routines and activities.
• Help create a safe and nurturing environment that supports children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.
• Change children’s diapers or clothing as needed while following proper sanitation procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Certified Food Service Manager certification preferred
• Knowledge of food service and young children’s nutritional needs preferred
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred or required within the first year
• Ability to complete all required employment and onboarding formsupon hire in compliance with the licensing standards of the Department of Children and Family Services, the City of Chicago, and Head Start, including:
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • background check fingerprinting process with the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Family and Support Services, and Chicago Public Schools
  • Physical Medical Review

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit, bend, kneel, and move actively throughout the day
• Manual dexterity for classroom and childcare tasks

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. We offer a robust benefit package. In addition, all staff are equipped with the tools needed to succeed, including a dedicated work space, laptop, email, high-speed internet access, and all necessary supplies.

• a dedicated work space
• laptop
• email
• high-speed internet access
• all necessary supplies

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Northwestern Settlement is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristics.