Head Start Kitchen Classroom Assistant

Kitsap Community Resources • Bremerton, WA

2d • $18 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Kitsap Community Resources’ Head Start and Early Head Start programs are looking for passionate team members who want to help children and families thrive. We are not childcare; we are early learning. Our team partners with families to build strong foundations for school readiness, healthy development, and lifelong success. If you’re excited about making a real difference in your community and supporting children during their most important years of growth, we’d love to have you join our team. KCR offers comprehensive benefits including paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays, along with 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for employees. In addition, we provide a 6.5% employer contribution to 401K after the first year, plus access to employee assistance, wellness initiatives, and professional growth and development training programs. Please apply at kcr.org/career-opportunities/ . If you need assistance with your application please contact Human Resources. The Kitchen-Classroom Assistant is responsible for the preparation and delivery of meals and snacks for young children. This position requires to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment and to follow the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. In addition, the Kitchen-Classroom Assistant may be required to assist the Head Start teachers in the classroom. KCR Mission, Vision, & Core Values Mission: Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) is a nonprofit, private, social services agency. We are committed to creating hope and opportunity for all low-income Kitsap County residents by providing resources that promote self-sufficiency and stability. Vision: We exist with a clear vision of creating a community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Core Values: Kitsap Community Resources core values are a vital part of each position, and employees are expected to uphold them to the fullest. Integrity – taking care to honor our commitments in an ethical manner Compassion – genuinely empathizing with those we serve Excellence – demonstrating a high level of performance in all we do Diversity – showing honor and respect to all individuals we serve Collaboration – so we seek out partnership opportunities Teamwork – supporting our employees and partners as we fulfill our mission

Requirements

• Required Education: High School Diploma or GED
• Previous experience in food service, early learning center, school, or a related field preferred.
• Ability to pass State and/or Federal Background Checks prior to hire date.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test upon employment
• Show immunity to the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) before working in the center or have a medical or religious exemption on file.
• Initial physical exam within 90 days of employment.
• Must demonstrate recognition and compassion for low-income families and children.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, safety, and sanitation practices.
• Ability to follow instructions, menus, recipes, and portion guidelines accurately.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License (to operate company vehicles and/or utilize other vehicles for company business)
• Ability to obtain proof of insurability for operating an automobile (to operate company vehicles and/or utilize other vehicles for company business).
• CPR/First Aid Certification Card (within 90 days of employment)
• Food Worker Card (upon employment)
• Certifications as required by position and timeframe for requirement, noting source of certification such as federal, state, professional.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods, reaching above shoulder level, perform repetitive tasks such as bending, reaching, and twisting.
• Must be able to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to hot surfaces, sharp tools, and cleaning chemicals.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to noise in a classroom setting.
• Must be able to build secure, nurturing relationships with children and families.
• Cognitive ability to recognize and address safety concerns.
• Requires accuracy, good communication, judgement, and the ability to remain calm and provide appropriate information.
• Must be able to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• Cognitive ability to discern accuracy and apply to work as necessary.
• Must be able to exhibit regular attendance.
• Conducts business and performs responsibilities with honesty, empathy, and integrity in alignment with KCR Code of Ethics.
• Demonstration of service delivery that aligns with KCR Mission, Vision, and Core Values.
• Proactively takes appropriate steps to maintain a safe, clean, healthy, and professional working environment, seeks guidance from supervision/management when there are questions.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in food service, early learning center, school, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of meals and snacks according to established menus and portion sizes.
• Know classroom food allergies and intolerances and able to follow child’s nutrition plan; and provide proper substitutions.
• Serve meals to classrooms and ensure timely delivery of food items.
• Clean and sanitized kitchen equipment, and food preparation areas in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
• Ensure proper storage of food and supplies, adhering to food safety guidelines.
• Keep kitchen organized and maintain an orderly workspace.
• Adhere to USDA CACP (Child Adult Care Food Program) guidelines, Head Start Performance Standards, and local health department regulations.
• Maintain accurate kitchen logs.
• Assist in the classroom as needed and provide support to the classroom staff.
• Be able to effectively communicate to KCR Food Services regarding food deliveries, or any food safety issue or concerns.
• Attend site team meetings along with kitchen staff meetings and trainings.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• KCR offers comprehensive benefits including paid time off for vacation, sick days, and holidays, along with 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for employees.
• In addition, we provide a 6.5% employer contribution to 401K after the first year, plus access to employee assistance, wellness initiatives, and professional growth and development training programs.
• Vacation, Sick, Personal Holiday, and other time off for life events such as Jury Duty, Bereavement, etc.
• 100% Employer paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-term and Short-term Disability for employee only (dependents can be covered through payroll deduction)
• 6.5% Employer Contribution to 401K after first 12-18 months of employment
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Growth & Development Training Programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED