WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services provided include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Every night VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth, and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA is recruiting a Driver/Kitchen Assistant for our Central Kitchen team in downtown Sacramento, CA. Every day the Central Kitchen staff prepare, package, and deliver more than 1,000 warm, nutritious, made-with-love meals to fragile seniors, veterans, families, and shelter residents. Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours based on staffing needs; including evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Driver and Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assuring quality service to all program participants compassionately and professionally as it relates to the specific program objectives.  Objectives include safe and timely delivery of meals to various programs in a company vehicle, unloading and stocking weekly deliveries, assisting in the preparation of meals, serving meals to clients at the designated programs, receiving and inventorying foods, equipment, and janitorial cleaning supplies. The Driver and Kitchen Assistant will demonstrate supportive interaction with program participants and team members and perform all work duties as required. Work is performed in a cost-effective and service-oriented manner as it relates to established organizational standards. 
  
OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the program. Driving is approximately eighty percent (80%) of this position.

1. Deliver meals to designated programs in a safe and timely manner.
2. Pick up dishes, supplies, and other items from the program sites.
3. Perform pre-trip safety checks and maintenance logs on company vehicles.
4. Keep the vehicle clean and presentable.
5. Unload and stock weekly deliveries.
6. Assist in the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals in an institutional kitchen facility.
7. Perform duties in a safe and sanitary manner, using food handling and proper preparation techniques.
8. Perform proper safety procedures for all equipment used in a kitchen.
9. Assure the security of supplies and all areas of responsibility.
10. Perform cooking tasks for a variety of foods, using utensils and equipment, such as mixers, food processors, and slicers.
11. Cut and carve all types of meat, fish, and poultry.
12. Assist in cleaning dishes, pots, kitchen equipment, floors, and walls of the kitchen, storeroom, and dining area.
13. Perform related duties as assigned.

B. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all variations in food preparations and meal delivery.
2. Keep accurate and complete vehicle maintenance and upkeep logs.
3. Complete and maintain all records, logs, safety logs, and incident reports. 
4. Assist in monitoring the inventory of program equipment and supplies and take appropriate action to replace or restock as needed.
5. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards. 
6. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.  
7. Communicate with service providers and external representatives as required.

C. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend all staff meetings, assigned training, seminars, and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

This position spends approximately eighty percent (80%) driving a company vehicle.  One year of driving and delivery experience is preferred. One year of related kitchen experience is preferred.  This position requires a demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and provide services to clients without ethnic or social prejudices. General knowledge of issues and challenges unique to homelessness, substance abuse, young adults, minorities, and persons with disabilities is preferred. Specific knowledge and experience with the following are required:
• Kitchen sanitation and safety measures used in the operation, cleaning, and care of utensils, equipment, and work areas.
• Understand the pre-trip vehicle inspection process, general maintenance, and recordkeeping.
• Drive safely and deliver on schedule.
• CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, re-certification as necessary, and T.B. testing annually.   
• A valid California driver’s license and ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Teamwork skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to assist other people
Punctual and reliable
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Regularly lift and move 50-pound items
Lift and move up to 75 pounds
Load and unload large food containers safely from the vehicle
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Climb stairs as needed 
Kneel occasionally