WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting a 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. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage. 

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the program.

1. Perform duties in safe and sanitary manner, using food handling and proper preparation techniques.
2. Perform proper safety procedures for all equipment used in a kitchen.
3. Proper cleaning and sanitizing all food preparation areas according to established standard of hygiene.
4. Wash and appropriately store all cooking appliances, instruments, utensils, cutting boards, and dishes.
5. Sweep and mop the kitchen floors and dining room, wipe down kitchen walls.
6. Maintain stock and inventory.
7. Prepare sandwiches.
8. Assist Cooks with the preparation of meal ingredients, which includes washing, cleaning, peeling, cutting, and chopping fruit, vegetables, poultry, and meat.
9. Assist with unloading of delivered food supplies.
10. Organize and correctly store food supplies.
11. Promptly transfer meal ingredients from storage areas to the kitchen per the Cook’s instructions.
12. Help set up and serve the food line, take food trays to the Handicapped and bus tables.
13. Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience assisting in a kitchen environment is required. This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to 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:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Familiarity with kitchen sanitation and safety measures used in the operation, cleaning, and care of utensils, equipment, and work areas.
• Food Handler’s License. 

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Ability to work with a team
Effective communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent organizational and time management skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to stand for long periods of time
Lift and move up to 20 pounds
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Climb stairs as needed 
Kneel occasionally