Kitchen Helper - Mt Madonna

YMCA of Silicon Valley; Morgan Hill (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Silicon Valley is seeking a kitchen helper to assist the Senior Center cook in preparing and serving meals for the Senior Nutrition Program. The role includes storing supplies, cleaning, and other kitchen duties to ensure smooth operation and high-quality service.

The position requires physical stamina to stand, lift up to 40 pounds, and work in a busy environment. Teamwork and alignment with the YMCA values are essential, along with willingness to train volunteers when needed.

Qualifications

• Must be physically able to stand, bend, lift and carry heavy objects.
• Able to follow instructions and communicate needs.
• Must perform in a busy and demanding environment.
• Must be a team player and align with YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist cook in hot food preparation and lifting heavy pots and pans.
• Store supplies and help organize storeroom, pantry cabinets and refrigerators.
• Assist cook in setting hot dishes in steam table.
• Help serve seniors and wash/store dishes; train volunteers when available.
• Follow daily/weekly cleaning schedules to maintain a spotless food prep and serving area.

Skills

Team player

Follow instructions

Lift up to 40 pounds

Food preparation assistance

Volunteer training awareness

Job description

Under the supervision of the Senior Center Cook, the kitchen helper assists the cook in preparing and serving meals for the Senior Nutrition Program. The kitchen helper also assists in storing supplies, cleaning and performing other kitchen duties as may be required by the cook in order to ensure the smooth operation and excellent quality of the Senior Nutrition Program.

SALARY RANGE: $22.00 - $26.00/hour

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow cook's instructions regarding day's tasks. Assist cook in hot food preparation and lifting heavy pots and pans. Store supplies, and assist in the cleaning and organization of storeroom, pantry cabinets and refrigerators.
• Assist cook in setting hot dishes in steam table.
• Assist cook in serving seniors.
• Wash and store dishes etc. When available, train volunteers to assist with this duty.
• Follow the daily and weekly cleaning schedules to ensure a sparkling clean food preparation and serving area.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands of the position include:

• Visual and auditory ability to observe and to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
• Ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Ability to climb, push, and pull.
• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 40 pounds.

Requirements

• The kitchen helper must be physically able to stand, bend, lift and carry heavy objects and perform the various duties required.
• Must be able to follow instructions and communicate needs.
• Must be able to perform in a busy and demanding environment.
• Must be a team player, and understand and demonstrate the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

YMCA COMPENTENCIES (Leader):

Change Leadership: Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community.

Engaging Community: Builds bridges with others in the community to ensure the Y's work is community-focused and welcoming of all, providing community benefit.

Philanthropy: Secures resources and support to advance the Y's work.

Volunteerism: Engages volunteers and promotes social responsibility at all levels of the organization.

Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community.

Communication & Influence: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a way that engages, inspires, and builds commitment to the Y's cause.

Inclusion: Values all people for their unique talents, and takes an active role in promoting practices that support diversity, inclusion, and global work, as well as cultural competence.

Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgement.

Fiscal Management: Manages the Y's resources responsibly and sustains the Y's nonprofit business model.

Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role.

Innovation: Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's work and impact in the community.

Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs.

Developing Self & Others: Develops self and supports others (e.g.: staff, volunteers, members, program participants), both formally and informally, to achieve their highest potential.

Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates ability to understand and manage emotions effectively in all situations.