Kitchen Classroom Assistant- Head Start

Kitsap Community Resources • Bremerton, WA

1d • $18 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Kitchen-Classroom Assistant prepares and delivers meals and snacks for young children, maintains a clean and safe kitchen environment, and follows USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The role may also assist Head Start teachers in the classroom. It is a full-time, non-exempt position of 34 hours per week, based in person in a kitchen-classroom setting at the Park/Elizabeth site. The fixed starting wage is $17.50 per hour.

The position serves children and families in alignment with Kitsap Community Resources’ mission and core values, including integrity, compassion, excellence, diversity, collaboration, and teamwork. The employee is expected to communicate regularly with coworkers and their supervisor or manager about wellness levels and awareness, attend site and kitchen staff meetings and trainings, and perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to pass state and/or federal background checks before the hire date.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test upon employment.
• Show immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) before working in the center, or have a medical or religious exemption on file.
• Initial physical exam within 90 days of employment.
• Demonstrate recognition and compassion for low-income families and children.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation, safety, and sanitation practices.
• Ability to accurately follow instructions, menus, recipes, and portion guidelines.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• CPR/First Aid Certification Card within 90 days of employment.
• Food Worker Card upon employment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and reach above shoulder level; perform repetitive bending, reaching, and twisting tasks.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to hot surfaces, sharp tools, and cleaning chemicals, and withstand classroom noise.
• Ability to build secure, nurturing relationships with children and families.
• Cognitive ability to recognize and address safety concerns, discern accuracy, and apply it to work.
• Accuracy, good communication, judgment, and the ability to remain calm and provide appropriate information.
• Ability 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 timely delivery of food items.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment and food preparation areas in compliance with local health and safety regulations.
• Store food and supplies properly in accordance with food safety guidelines.
• Keep the kitchen organized and maintain an orderly workspace.
• Follow USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) 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.
• Communicate regularly with coworkers and the supervisor or manager about wellness levels and awareness.
• Accept other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick, personal holiday, and other time off, including time 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 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