Temporary Kitchen Helper

The Salvation Army; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization where you will play a crucial role in supporting meal preparation for various community programs. As a Kitchen Helper, you will assist the Lead Cook in cooking and serving meals, ensuring that food is prepared safely and efficiently. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being of residents and the community while working in a collaborative environment. If you are detail-oriented, flexible, and passionate about food service, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in institutional cooking or similar required.
• Food Handler's Permit needed, can be obtained on the first day.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing, cooking, and serving meals as planned.
• Clean the kitchen and ensure food safety standards are met.

Skills

Kitchen Sanitation Knowledge

Basic Food Preparation

Communication Skills

Detail Oriented

Flexibility and Creativity

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Relevant Kitchen Equipment

Modern Office Equipment

Job description

OVERVIEW:

The Kitchen Helper supports the Lead Cook in preparing meals for various Salvation Army programs under the direction of the Lead Cook or Director of Housing.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with preparing, cooking, and serving meals as planned by the Lead Cook or in their absence
• Clean up after meals, including washing and storing pots, pans, and utensils
• Clean the kitchen weekly
• Complete prep tasks as directed by the Lead Cook
• Inventory and proper storage of donated goods on weekends
• Prepare and serve weekend meals using donated or pre-prepared food
• Ensure food is heated to safe temperatures and discard any questionable items
• Keep garbage bins locked and kitchen areas clean and organized
• Prepare and serve breakfast and dinner for residents and the community
• Ensure meals are served on time
• Report daily food usage to the Lead Cook, including donated and purchased items
• Lock refrigerators, freezers, and the kitchen at the end of each day
• Monitor food inventory and inform the Lead Cook or Director of Housing of any needs
• Other related duties as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Valid driver’s license (required)
• Experience in an institutional cooking setting or similar (2 years required)
• Food Handler’s Permit (required – can be obtained on first day)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of kitchen and food service sanitation
• Understanding of basic food preparation
• Ability to work independently, with flexibility and creativity
• Detail oriented
• Basic computer skills a plus, not required
• Good communication skills

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Modern Office Equipment and Relevant Software
• Relevant kitchen equipment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. (food related)
• Relevant physical kitchen requirements

ADA Statement:

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

Acknowledgment of Religious Purposes of The Salvation Army:

Please note that The Salvation Army has a religious purpose and status as a church. We ask our employees that they do nothing to their relationship with The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission. Employees must agree and understand that their services are a necessary part of The Army’s religious purposes and their work-related conduct must not conflict with, interfere with, or undermine such religious programs or The Army’s religious purposes.

At-Will:

Any employment relationship with this organization is of an “at-will” nature, which means that an Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge an Employee at any time with or without cause. It is further understood that this “at will” employment relationship may not be changed by any written document or by conduct unless such change is specifically acknowledged in writing by an authorized executive of this organization.

Qualifications Education

Required

High School or Equivalent

Experience

Required 2 years

Experience in an institutional cooking setting or similar

Behaviors

Preferred

Detail Oriented : Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Dedicated : Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Leader : Inspires teammates to follow them

Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact : Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Food Handler's Card

Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.