Join Our Team!

THE POSITION:

The Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter seeks an individual to serve as Kitchen Aide to play a key role in preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks to the residents of the organization in a clean and sanitary environment, while embracing and upholding our mission and values.

Key Responsibilities: (To include but not limited to the following)

• Prepare nutritious, well balanced and sufficient meals in a timely fashion and according to the posted menu.
• Follow all posted instructions to ensure each resident's special needs are met (special diet, food allergies, etc.).
• Take the necessary steps so that all food is prepared, served, and stored under sanitary conditions.
• Operate kitchen equipment as assigned and report any malfunctioning equipment or unsafe conditions in the kitchen.
• Maintain a posted grocery list of items to be purchased and assist with picking up food donations, commodities, etc. as needed.
• Sort, organize, and put away deliveries and food donations and maintain inventory for delivered and donated foods.
• Keep the kitchen and dining room cabinets and countertops clean and floors swept and mopped.
• Empty the kitchen and dining room trash daily or more often as needed.
• Keep refrigerators, freezers, ovens, griddle, fryers, cabinets, pantries and storage areas clean, sanitary, and organized.
• Work with the Kitchen Manager to maintain a regular rotation of food items, stock in cabinets, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Adhere to all shelter policies and procedures.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Flexibility, reliability, patience, and self-motivation.
• Ability to thrive in a continually changing environment.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism, interpersonal skills and strong written and oral communication skills.
• Basic proficiency in use of computers and software.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Twenty-one years of age or older.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Prefer commercial kitchen experience or training in the food service industry.
• Prior experience cooking meals from scratch in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Have a ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, or obtain one within 30 days of employment.

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Tasks may involve walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks.
• Must submit to pre-employment a drug screen as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Valid driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive shelter vehicles for shelter business.
• Must maintain confidentiality and privacy regarding all Children’s Shelter residents' information in accordance with NWACS policy and all applicable Federal and state laws/regulations.
• Attend and participate in mandatory training, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.
• Set, maintain, and communicate appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner per NWACS procedures.

SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION DESIGNATION

In strict compliance with the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2016 (Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 98) and Arkansas Act 593, this position is formally designated as a Safety-Sensitive Position in writing.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it.  Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.     

Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. NWACS offers excellent benefits and a competitive salary based on experience. For consideration, qualified candidates must submit a cover letter and detailed resume.