Kitchen Assistant Full -Time

Description

Join our dynamic, mission-driven team at VAC, where we don’t just serve our communities, we support and uplift our employees, too!

Voluntary Action Center is looking for a full-time Kitchen Assistant to support our cooks and nutrition program in DeKalb. For over 50 years we have been dedicated to promoting dignity, health, and self-sufficiency by providing high quality nutrition services to individuals with disabilities and seniors within our communities. 

Reporting to our Kitchen and Inventory Manager, the Kitchen Assistant will provide kitchen support by assisting in the preparation of food and support services for our nutrition program. This position works Monday - Friday 30-40 hours per week and may require working some holidays with premium pay in accordance with company policy.

The ideal candidate will be cooperative, dependable and service oriented.  The Kitchen Assistant is responsible for providing safe and nutritious meals, obeying all applicable food preparation regulations and exercising diligent care in all activities relative to agency nutrition programs. This position must represent Voluntary Action Center’s mission and values at all times.

EXAMPLES OF MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Assist with the preparation and packaging of nutritious meals for delivery.
• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a clean and organized kitchen.
• Support kitchen staff with inventory, food storage, and dish washing.
• Work efficiently in a team setting to ensure timely meal distribution.
• Operates and cleans a variety of specialized food service equipment, i.e. dishwasher, commercial ovens and mixer, meat slicer and steam tables, etc.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state and local health and safety regulations at all times.
• Backup support to MOW team as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Food service and kitchen experience are highly preferred.
• Illinois Food Handlers Certification or must obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Valid driver license with clean driving record.
• Must be dependable, team oriented and able to work under pressure.
• Passion for serving the community and supporting a mission-driven organization.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check and physical exam.

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• FSA and HSA
• Short Term Disability
• Life / AD&D
• Dental and Vision
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Leave (PLA)
• Extended Paid Time Off (ETO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Bereavement
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Retirement Investment Options
• Employee Assistance Program

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of safety and sanitation precautions common to the food industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable, patient and cooperative.
• Ability to follow policies, regulations, best practices, and procedures.
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with fellow employees and build positive relationships.
• Excellent customer service and people skills.
• Strong attention to detail required.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships.
• Ability to follow instructions and act as a team player.
• Knowledge of safe driving and ability to follow VAC safety procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The working environment is mostly done in a close-quartered kitchen area near ovens and/or grills. While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is on his/her feet most of the shift. Ability to stoop, climb, stand for long periods of time and perform physical labor, physical mobility and stamina to participate in activities which may be strenuous. The noise level varies but is generally moderate to loud.

The physical activity of position requires the ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, walk, push, pull, lift, and grasp. Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10-20 pounds of force constantly to move objects, frequently from floor level to waist level, less frequently from floor level to overhead level. Visual acuity for depth and field of vision. Repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers required. Must meet the medical requirements of a physical exam.

Voluntary Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by law. 

Qualifications

Salary : $15 - $17