Chef Kitchen Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Kitchen HelperReports to: Kitchen ManagerFLSA Status: Full-Time and Non-ExemptBenefits: Alpha Project offers a generous benefits package, including 14 paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision premium, and group life insurance.Salary: $20-22/hour, commensurate with experiencePOSITION SUMMARYThe Kitchen Helper supports the daily operations of Alpha Square Kitchen by assisting with meal preparation, processing food donations, and maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment. Working under the supervision of the Director of Kitchen Operations and Head Chef, this position helps ensure the timely production of nutritious meals for program participants and community members. The Kitchen Helper follows proper food‑handling practices, supports inventory and sanitation procedures, and collaborates effectively with team members to uphold health, safety, and operational standards.Food Receiving, Inspection & StorageReceive, inspect, document, and sort food donations.Organize, restock, rotate, and label pantry, refrigerator, and freezer items.Assist with inventory and report needs.Food Preparation & Meal ProductionPrepare salads, sides, and assist with main entrées.Support meal packing for shelters.Sanitation, Safety & CleaningMaintain a clean workspace and follow safety procedures.Operate dish machine and three-compartment sink.Perform daily and deep cleaning.Compliance & DocumentationComplete temperature logs, waste logs.Conduct walkthroughs and ensure proper storage.Teamwork & SupportMaintain respectful communication.Support team and complete additional duties.Communicate and adhere to program policies and procedures, including the "Good Neighbor" Policy, Alpha Project's Employee Handbook and Health/Safety Handbooks, and all applicable safety regulations.Perform other duties as assigned Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Work Environment & Physical DemandsThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those typically encountered by employees performing essential kitchen functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties. Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs., including food products, supplies, and equipment. Ability to stand and walk for most of an 8-hour shift in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, twisting, and kneeling when performing cleaning or retrieving items. Regular repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements during food preparation and cleaning tasks. Comfortable working in varying temperatures, including hot, humid, or cold areas and around ovens, stoves, steam tables, and walk-in refrigerators/freezers. Exposure to moderate to loud noise level.Possible contact with onsite animals/pets.Potential for exposure to bodily fluids. QUALIFICATIONSCandidates must demonstrate the ability to follow policies and procedures as established in the Company's Employee Handbook. Candidates will also contribute to a positive work environment by behaving and communicating in a manner such that they get along with all constituent groups, co-workers, and management. In addition, the education, experience, and other skills listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.One year of kitchen/food service experience.Knowledge of sanitation and food handling.Organizational skills and communication abilities.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCEPrior kitchen or food-handling experience required.Experience working with vulnerable populations preferred.  CERTIFICATIONFood handler certification preferred. KEY SKILLSTime management, teamwork, and safety awareness.The ability to organize and prioritize projects and multiple tasks effectively and on time is required. EQUIPMENT & APPLICATIONSDishwasher machine.Three-compartment sink.Working knowledge of all standard kitchen tools. Alpha Project for the Homeless provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.