WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 600 paid professional employees dedicated to helping those we serve. We provide compassionate care today for flourishing communities tomorrow. Founded locally in 1911, VOA Northern California & Northern Nevada is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, delivering a broad range of community-based services that transform lives while meeting immediate needs of 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: VOA puts faith into action by providing compassionate human services to empower individuals and strengthen communities. VOA aspires to create a world in which every person lives a life of emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, filled with hope across Northern California & Northern Nevada.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, 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:

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 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.

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.

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

Drive safely to designated locations

Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently

Climb stairs as needed

Kneel occasionally