Part-Time Kitchen Assistant

The Salvation Army Southern California • Denver, CO

3d • $24

About The Position

The kitchen assistant supports the daily operations of the kitchen by ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient environment for food preparation and service. Responsibilities include preparing meals, maintaining sanitation standards, managing inventory and deliveries, and assisting with the coordination and training of volunteers. The role also involves supporting program operations, maintaining accurate records, and handling donations in compliance with organizational procedures. The individual is expected to demonstrate professionalism, uphold confidentiality, and treat all clients with dignity and respect. Additional duties may include assisting with special events, equipment maintenance, and other operational needs as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook email)
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
• Ability to organize, multitask, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Basic inventory management and recordkeeping skills
• Demonstrate history of providing professional services.
• Demonstrate history of providing customer service in a professional setting.
• Desire to serve others by building on their strengths.
• Comfortable working in a crisis-oriented environment and responding appropriately to a person in crisis.
• Ability to respond with humility to diversity and the needs of our unhoused neighbors.
• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, volunteers, guests, partners and community members regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, partner status, faith, age, socio-economic status, gender identification, and physical or mental ability.
• Act with honesty and integrity; exercise appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
• Supportive of The Salvation Army’s mission
• Able to reflect and model the high standards of our organization
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Food Handler’s Certificate and follow all food safety guidelines
• Must be 21 years old at minimum (for insurance provision) and possess a valid in-state driver’s license
• An MVR will be processed every year in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies
• Must successfully pass all required background checks in accordance with organizational policies
• Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies
• Ability to maneuver, to remain in a stationary position, to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead, to lift 25 pounds, to access and produce information from the computer, to operate telephone, to understand written information
• Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A request to modify or adjust these requirements may be made to your supervisor and HR. The Salvation Army would attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and presents no undue hardship.

Nice To Haves

• Restaurant or food service experience preferred
• Experience working with volunteers or in a community-based or shelter environment preferred

Responsibilities

• Wash dishes, silverware, pots, and pans as needed
• Maintain dishwasher in a clean and sanitized condition
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is clean, sanitary, and in proper working order
• Maintain food preparation areas in compliance with health and safety standards
• Keep kitchen, pantry, and storage areas neat and organized
• Sweep and mop floors at the end of each shift and ensure facility is secured
• Provide general maintenance support for vehicles and kitchen equipment (cleaning, moving materials,   )
• Prepare meals for shelter and events
• Assist with meal planning, food preparation, and serving
• Assist with preparation of sack meals (as needed)
• Help load meals for distribution
• Ensure safe food handling procedures are followed at all times
• Receive food deliveries and stock items appropriately
• Assist with inventory and organization of pantry supplies
• Store food items properly according to instructions
• Safely and efficiently perform pickups and deliveries as required
• Assist in internal processing and distribution of goods
• Assist in supervising and coordinating volunteers and residents in meal preparation and service
• Assist in training kitchen volunteers, including hygiene standards
• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to maintain kitchen operations
• Participate in required staff meetings
• Assist with in-kind donations, including logging, issuing tax receipts, and submitting copies to administration
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and receipts
• Track contacts, visits, issues, and resources provided
• Assist with special events and other duties as needed

Benefits

• Sick leave benefit – 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
• Vacation benefit – 10 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0385 hours for each hour worked, excluding overtime (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
• Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service and average of at least 21 hours worked per week)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees