Cooks Assistant Jobs in Topeka, KS (NOW HIRING)

Description
Sun and Mon 9am - 6pm and PRN opportunities
POSITION SUMMARY
The Kitchen Assistant supports the cooks in the daily operation of a food services. This role will help prepare and serve all food as needed for agency programs to include: the Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP); Youth Development Program (YDP); Center for Crisis & Healing; and Recovery Center. Additional meal preparation and service is required for Agency staff and, on occasion Agency events held on the Agency campus. This role assists with maintaining the kitchen is clean, organized, and fully stocked while helping with basic food preparation and maintaining hygiene standards.
During times when primary responsibilities are limited, the Kitchen Assistant may be asked to assist in other areas as needed to support overall operations, regardless of the specific role.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Assisting with the preparation of all food as needed.
• Washing and putting away all dishes.
• Helping to keep the kitchen clean and organized.
• Prepare ECIP snacks.
• Set up food carts for ECIP breakfast and snacks including food and dishes.
• Prepare and set up all snacks for YDP program.
• Help serve lunch when needed.
• May float to other agency kitchens to assist as needed.
• Assisting Head Cook and Cook in kitchen clean up.
• Assisting with setup and delivery of in house catering for board and foundations lunches.
• Washing kitchen linens and other kitchen laundry once a week.
• De-liming the dishwashing machine once a week.
• Demonstrate effective communication to achieve a positive relationship internally and externally.

• Establish appropriate and professional boundaries with all individuals. Treat individuals with Dignity and Respect at all times.

• Consistently demonstrate the ability to work effectively within a team as well as individually.

• Assure compliance with department and agency policy and procedures, guidelines, and timelines.

Other Duties
• Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence
• Approach interactions with individuals served and colleagues with a trauma sensitive lens
• Acts as an ambassador of the agency in the community setting, which may include doing public educational and informational presentations.
• Support and actively promote the vision and mission of the agency and the philosophy of the strengths perspective
• Completes required trainings
• Other duties as assigned, as qualified and trained for.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
• HS diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• 1 yr. experience with industrial cooking equipment preferred.
• 1 yr. experience with food preparation preferred.
• Basic understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
• Must be proficient in basic computer skills.

• Must have good command of the English language; must be able to read, communicate clearly and therapeutically with persons served and staff, both verbally and in writing, in a professional manner.

• Successful completion of criminal background check and DCF Child & Adult Abuse Registry check, and other applicable background investigations.
• Possess a valid Kansas driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Effective communication skills (verbal and written)
• Customer focused (internal and external)

• Excellent listening skills
• Accountability
• Reliability
• Trust/Integrity
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Relationship building
• Problem Solving

• Open to learning and accepting feedback
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
• Culturally respectful
PHYSCIAL DEMANDS
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Physical Demands Lift/Carry
Stand (F) 10 lbs. or less (F)
Walk (F) 11 - 20 lbs. (F)
Sit (O) 21 - 50 lbs. (O)
Manually Manipulate (F) 51 - 100 lbs. (O with assistance)
Reach Outward (O) Over 100 lbs. (N)
Reach Above Shoulder (O)
Climb (O) Push/Pull
Crawl (N) 12 lbs. or less (F)
Squat or Kneel (O) 26- 40 lbs. (O)
Bend (O) 41 - 100 lbs. (O)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Risk of working with various pieces of kitchen equipment. This position may involve long periods standing, stooping or bending to access spaces. Lifting and carrying equipment or supplies is a requirement. Risk of exposure to aggressive and/or acting out children and youth. Children/youth often express themselves by verbal or physical acting out.
The company has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the company may deem appropriate.