Kitchen Assistant

Description

General Summary:

This position is responsible for assisting the kitchen coordinator in managing the daily operations of the Recovery Housing kitchen, ensuring the provision of meals for Recovery Housing residents and all 24/7 programs at Zepf's Ashland Avenue location. As a vital member of the staff, the role involves collaborating with the management team and staff to deliver exceptional customer service and high-quality meals to clients. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with Health Department Food Safety Regulations, training and monitoring of other kitchen staff in proper food safety procedures, assisting with meal planning, ordering, preparation, delivery, and cleanliness of the kitchen. 

It is expected and essential for all employees to meet their regular work schedule which may include rotation of shifts, weekends, and holidays. Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness will not be tolerated. (For more details refer to Policy 803 – Attendance Policy). 

Hours: Wednesday - Sunday; 9:00am - 5:00pm with opportunities for weekends off

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist Kitchen Coordinator to 

• Oversee the 24/7/365 operations of the Recovery Housing kitchen to ensure timely and high-quality meal preparation for      Recovery Housing residents and all 24/7 programs at the Zepf Ashland Avenue location.
• Plan and manage meal schedules to meet the dietary and nutritional needs of clients across various programs.
• Maintain kitchen inventory, including ordering and stocking supplies, and ensuring accurate record-keeping of meals served      and supplies used.
• Enforce protocols to ensure proper food storage, handling, and preparation practices.
• Identify and report any potential health or safety concerns.
• Implement and monitor processes to ensure efficiency in kitchen operations and meal delivery.
• Ensure compliance with all Health Department Food Safety Regulations, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and      safety.
• Conduct weekly inventory and ordering of essential breakfast items for Zepf’s Ashland Residential Programs. 
• Contribute to the development of initiatives aimed at improving client satisfaction and overall program success.
• Performs “Set-up” work for the kitchen staff on the next shift including washing, and cutting produce, combining ingredients in recipes, and cleaning meat and fish.
• Prepare food from recipes supplied in the Kitchen Coordinator’s office. 
• Assist in the cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of the Kitchen, Kitchen Equipment, Food Service Station, and Cafeteria. 
• Conduct weekly inventory and ordering of essential breakfast items for Zepf’s Ashland Residential Programs. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Individual Competencies

• Demonstrates strong organizational skills to monitor kitchen operations effectively and efficiently.
• Adheres to and enforces Health Department Food Safety Regulations to ensure a safe and compliant kitchen environment.
• Demonstrates flexibility in responding to the evolving needs of programs and clients.
• Actively contributes to creating a positive, solution-focused workplace culture.

Organizational Competencies: 

• Demonstrate knowledge of the agency mission, vision, goals, and philosophy as well as the agency policies and procedures. Abide by the agencies and/or professional code of ethics. 
• Complete all mandatory staff training requirements and attend all mandatory staff meetings. 
• Strives for continuous improvement: both personnel and agency.

Position Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one year experience working as a cook in a commercial food operation.
• Must be able to work while standing for the entire work shift.
• Willingness to come into work on an “as needed” basis in addition to working the normally scheduled hours for the position.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly and perform physically demanding tasks, including standing for extended periods.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and the ability to drive for work-related tasks as needed.
• Current Serve Safe Certification required or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Knowledge and adherence of Recovery House standards