Kitchen Help - Part Time

Hawthorn Retirement Group; Woodbridge (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Belmont Gardens in Woodbridge is hiring a part-time Kitchen Helper to support dishwashing, meal service, and general kitchen cleaning. The role is cross-trained and on-site, with a Friday–Monday 12:30 PM–8:00 PM schedule and $17.00 per hour pay.

Join Hawthorn Senior Living practices to ensure high standards of sanitation and resident comfort. You will work as part of a busy dining team under the Community Executive Chef.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Knowledge of cleaning and sanitation.
• Maintains food handlers permit as necessary to fulfill state or provincial regulations.
• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Able to work in a busy environment with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates teamwork and respect for residents and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, wash, and store dishes following procedures.
• Assist in bussing, serving, and delivery of room trays if needed.
• Setting tables in the dining room.
• Assist Chefs/Cooks in cleaning areas and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness of the dishwashing area and floors.
• Work as part of the food services team to ensure smooth operation.
• Adhere to safety and sanitation practices.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

English communication

Team player

Time management

Multitasking

Job description

Description

Belmont Gardens, the premier independent living community for active seniors in Woodbridge, is now hiring for a part-time Kitchen Helper!

Schedule: Friday through Monday 12:30 PM until 8:00 PM

Pay: $17.00 per hour

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Prepare, wash and store dishes as well as help serve meals and clear dishes at residents' tables following Hawthorn Senior Living procedures. This position is considered a universal employee worker and will be crossed trained in other positions as directed by the Community Executive Chef.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & BEHAVIORS

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Have a general knowledge of cleaning and sanitation.
• Maintains food handlers permit as necessary to fulfill state or provincial regulations.
• Embodies a patient and creative attitude with the ability to “think outside the box.”
• Demonstrates a commitment to and respect for all individuals.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with residents and staff.
• Builds on basic learning and carries it from one situation to another.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision making.
• Asks questions and seeks assistance.
• Takes responsibility to eliminate the source of problems.
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple work duties.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills, taking into consideration body language, filters, listening, paraphrasing and questions with co-workers and residents of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrates ability to work efficiently and pleasantly in an extremely busy work environment, to deal with difficult situations in a calm manner and be a team player.
• Ability to work under time constraints and meet department and position timelines.
• Meets state or provincial health related requirements (as applicable for position).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular, on-site, attendance and punctuality is required as scheduled.
• Takes responsibility for maintaining current knowledge of the Hawthorn Senior Living Employee Handbook.
• Adheres to all company policies, procedures and standards.
• Prepare, wash, and store dishes following Hawthorn Senior Living procedures.
• Clean dishwashing area following Hawthorn Senior Living sanitation procedures.
• Assist in bussing, serving, and delivery of room trays if needed.
• Setting of tables in the dining room.
• Assist Chefs/Cooks in cleaning food serving areas and equipment, sweeping and mopping of floors and complete assigned cleaning duties.
• Complete dishwasher temperature log at required times.
• Work as part of the food services team to ensure smooth, efficient, and safe operation of the kitchen.
• Adhere to prescribed safety and sanitation practices and procedures.
• Always treat residents, potential residents, their families, staff, and guests with dignity and respect.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Community Executive Chef.
• May be assigned to any other job function in the Community on a relief basis.

OTHER JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform all work assigned for the agreed-upon salary, accepting no additional payment or non-perishable gifts from residents, vendors, Community Management, or others.
• Use timekeeping system to report hours worked on a daily basis, as well as the start and stop times of your meal periods.
• Meets the assigned work requirements of the job.
• Adheres to dress/appearance code. Changes in attire may be dictated by special occasion or weather conditions. If you have questions, check with your Community Executive Chef.
• Promotes resident advocacy and demonstrates excellent customer service at all times.
• Serves as a role model for all employees by displaying a responsible, cooperative, and positive attitude.
• Represents the Company and the community in a professional, courteous, and friendly manner when in the public.
• Understands safe and proper chemical use and adheres to safety protocols. This includes using personal protective equipment when necessary.
• Attend education and training classes as necessary to fulfill company training requirements and/or state regulations applicable to the position.
• Maintain personnel, resident and business proprietary and/or confidential matters/material in strict confidence with management of the company (and/or other company staff as needed).

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre‑employment background checks, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by law. Hawthorn Senior Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
• At Hawthorn Senior Living, we offer competitive compensation and a robust benefits package designed to support our employees' well‑being. Benefits may include paid time off; medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage; and supplemental life insurance. Eligible employees may also participate in a 401(k) plan with a company‑determined match and have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Beyond benefits, we are proud of our unique culture and enjoy celebrating our team throughout the year.