Kitchen Aide

Under supervision, is largely responsible for assistance in the preparation, distribution and serving of food including meals and snacks and the cleanliness of the kitchen, offices spaces, and restrooms; maintains cleanliness of kitchen equipment, dishes, and the facility. Packs, drives and delivers food to sites as needed and performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Assists in the preparation and distribution of large and small quantities of food; completes routine kitchen/dining room/food chores as assigned; prepares necessary food and serving items or service prior to or after use; cleans, cuts, trims, chops and/or slices food products; opens containers and bags of fresh and frozen foods, fruits, etc., or dry goods and cereals and slices, divides, etc.; divides and/or assists in dividing food into appropriately sized portions and/or containers; loads carts for food distribution and unloads carts upon return; sanitizes surfaces, picks up and puts away materials in the classroom or kitchen in order to maintain a safe and organized environment.
• Maintains inventory of food and supplies; prepares and maintains records in compliance with CACFP requirements; maintains temperature logs, inventory, ordering, and menu production records; completes and/or ensures that sites complete assigned documentation; prepares documents or emails using a computer and performs administrative tasks such as filing/sorting paperwork.
• Places food orders; participates in kitchen clean up, inventory and other kitchen tasks as requested and/or assigned; Maintains accurate record keeping for program requirements.
• Cleans equipment using specific chemicals to ensure sanitary standards; conducts major cleaning of refrigerators, storerooms, and equipment; cleans and sanitizes tools, equipment, work station, work station counters and floors; mops/ sweeps kitchen, washes tools, equipment, work tables, walls, refrigerators and other dishes as assigned; follows all safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Drives to assigned sites to distribute food and other supplies and unloads; inspects and maintains vehicle.
• Sweeps, mops, and cleans floors and floor drains; removes trash and garbage to designated areas.
• Provides support with client services, as appropriate.
• May assist classroom staff in activities, field trips and outdoor activities.
• May interact with children during meals for socializing and educational experience and assist in activities related to the cultural background of the children and families served.
• Communicates with parents/families as needed.
• Attends all required staff and parent meetings, workshops, trainings and meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Knowledge of:

• Effective communication skills with staff, parents and children of various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Food production, sanitation and safety procedures prescribed for large scale kitchen production and food ordering and inventory systems and standard units of measurement used in food services.

Ability to:

• Perform work with minimum supervision; learn and perform simple cooking and food preparation techniques
• Stoop, stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds repetitively
• Follow verbal directions
• Drive a van as needed for food service delivery

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent AND six (6) months of experience working in a kitchen, restaurant or food service facility.
• Working knowledge of large-scale food production, sanitation and safety procedures prescribed for large scale kitchen production, food ordering and inventory systems.
• Basic literacy skills including the ability to read, write, and speak English to keep temperature logs, inventory, ordering, and menu production records, and enter data into a computer tracking system.
• Ability to problem solve and respond appropriately to the unexpected (staff shortages, equipment malfunctions, etc.), while maintaining strict meal schedules.
• Valid CPR, First Aid and Food Handlers Certifications must be obtained within first ten (10) days of employment and maintained throughout employment (paid, designated training may be available through MAAC). In the event an employee does not attend MAAC scheduled training, they must obtain the cards through outside resources and costs will not be reimbursed. The certifications must be obtained and maintained within prescribed timelines.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other persons views and underlying assumptions
Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers
Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development
Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines
Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems
Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes
Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Drivers License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAACs insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.