Culinary Assistant

Byron Health Center; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 15,153 - 20,664; Full time

Job summary

Byron Health Center is seeking a dedicated on-site kitchen helper to maintain clean dishes, utensils, and surfaces and to assist with basic food preparation under supervision. The role emphasizes strong cleanliness, safety, and teamwork in a health care kitchen environment.

The position requires English literacy, ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain it, and adherence to health regulations. On-site work with potential for weekends and holidays, as needed.

Qualifications

• Must possess, read, write, and understand English.
• Minimum 8th grade education and age 17+ required.
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain it within a specified time frame.

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, dishes, and surfaces.
• Store clean items in designated areas and maintain organization.
• Assist with basic food preparation tasks under supervision.
• Follow safety and sanitation regulations and wear PPE as required.
• Assist in serving meals and keeping areas clean and tidy.
• Dispose of waste properly and manage recyclables.
• Communicate with staff to coordinate tasks and ensure efficient workflow.

Skills

English proficiency

Safety awareness

Education

8th grade education

Must be 17 or older

Tools

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

• Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, dishes, and work surfaces to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety. This includes washing dishes by hand or using commercial dishwashers.
• Properly store clean dishes, utensils, and equipment in designated areas to maintain organization and accessibility for kitchen staff. Ensure that storage areas are kept clean and tidy.
• Support kitchen staff by assisting with basic food preparation tasks such as peeling, chopping, and portioning ingredients. This may also involve preparing simple dishes or garnishes under supervision.
• Implement and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of food and non‑food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed.
• Dispose of kitchen waste properly, separating and removing recyclables. Keep trash bins clean and empty regularly to prevent odors and pests.
• Assist on neighborhoods, serving meals and ensuring areas are clean, as needed.
• Follow safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries in the kitchen. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling chemicals safely.
• Perform mopping of spills when they occur and mark wet floors with appropriate warning signs.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff and other team members to coordinate tasks and ensure efficient workflow. Be willing to lend a hand where needed to support the overall functioning of the kitchen.
• Uphold high standards of personal hygiene, including proper handwashing and grooming practices. Ensure that uniforms are clean and worn correctly while on duty.
• Comply with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures related to food preparation and service.
• Follow facility and departmental safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting.
• Participate and attend departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate.
• Remove garbage and other hazardous materials in the work area.
• Agree not to disclose resident’s protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Executive Director or designee.
• Follow established Infection Control Precaution policies and procedures when performing daily tasks.

Required Qualifications

• Must possess, as a minimum, an 8th grade education.
• Must be at least 17 years of age or older due to requirement of handling knives.
• Must possess ServSafe Certification, or ability to become certified in specified time frame.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Moves intermittently during work hours in all food service designated areas throughout the community.
• Works on‑site as physical presence at Byron Health Center is a requirement of this position.
• Is involved with residents, personnel, visitors, government agencies, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.
• Works beyond normal working hours including weekends and holidays when necessary.
• May be subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday as well to as reactions from dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.
• Works in well‑lighted/ventilated areas. Atmosphere is warm for cooking, and cold in freezers/coolers.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with the residents, personnel, and support agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this community, which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset people within the community.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 50 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 150 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.