Kitchen Classroom Assistant- Head Start

Kitsap Community Resources • Bremerton, WA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Kitsap Community Resources is hiring a full-time Kitchen-Classroom Assistant for its Early Learning & Family Services department at the Park/Elizabeth site. This in-person position is based in a kitchen-classroom setting and works 34 hours per week. The fixed starting wage is $17.50 per hour. The position prepares and delivers meals and snacks for young children, maintains a clean and safe kitchen, and follows USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The assistant may also support Head Start teachers in the classroom. The position reports to the Health Services Manager.

The role calls for compassion toward low-income families and children, reliable food preparation and sanitation practices, and the ability to work cooperatively with kitchen and classroom staff. Required health and hiring conditions include passing state and/or federal background checks, a TB test upon employment, proof of MMR immunity or an exemption on file, and an initial physical exam within 90 days of employment. A Food Worker Card is required upon employment, and CPR/First Aid certification is required within 90 days.

Kitsap Community Resources is a nonprofit social services agency focused on creating hope and opportunity for low-income Kitsap County residents and supporting a community where everyone can thrive. The organization emphasizes integrity, compassion, excellence, diversity, collaboration, and teamwork. KCR is an equal opportunity employer and states its commitment to a diverse staff and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to pass state and/or federal background checks before the hire date.
• TB test upon employment.
• Show immunity to 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.
• 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.
• Must demonstrate recognition and compassion for low-income families and children.
• Food Worker Card upon employment.
• CPR/First Aid Certification Card within 90 days of employment.
• Must be able to build secure, nurturing relationships with children and families.
• Cognitive ability to recognize and address safety concerns, discern accuracy, and apply it to work.
• Must be able to communicate accurately, exercise judgment, and remain calm while providing appropriate information.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and 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 classroom noise.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing meals and snacks according to established menus and portion sizes.
• Know classroom food allergies and intolerances, follow each child’s nutrition plan, and provide appropriate substitutions.
• Serve meals to classrooms and ensure food items are delivered on time.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment and food preparation areas in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
• Store food and supplies properly and follow food safety guidelines.
• Keep the kitchen organized and maintain an orderly workspace.
• Follow USDA Child and 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 support classroom staff.
• Communicate effectively with KCR Food Services about food deliveries and food safety issues or concerns.
• Attend site team meetings, kitchen staff meetings, and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Vacation, sick, personal holiday, and other time off for life events such as jury duty and bereavement.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, and short-term disability coverage for the employee; dependents may be covered through payroll deduction.
• 6.5% employer contribution to a 401(k) after the 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
• Education Level: High school or GED