* KITCHEN -- CUSTODIAL ASSISTANT Early Learning Programs*

Kent Youth & Family Services is currently hiring a Kitchen & Custodial Assistant to work 20-24 hour per week during the school calendar. This position is responsible for preparing and serving food items that meet the children's nutritional requirements and individual children's nutritional needs; verifying quantities and specifications of orders; maintaining facility in a safe and sanitary condition; and completing general custodial duties. The Assistant will ensure proper health and safety standards are met following food safety guidelines in meal preparation, storage, and service.

*HOURS: * Depends upon site assigned, estimated at10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

PAY & BENEFITS:  $ $17.50 - $19.00 per hour/DOE. Paid vacation and holiday. Paid sick time. 403b Retirement with 5% Agency contribution after one year of employment and meeting eligibility requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists other KYFS & PS-ESD personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment, and that meals and delivery methods meet meal count requirements.
• Cleans dishes, utensils, equipment, storage, and food preparation and serving areas to maintain required sanitary conditions.
• Completes minor food preparation (e.g., slicing, cutting, chopping, etc.) to assist with meeting mandated safety requirements including projected meal count requirements, special diet requirements and scheduled serving times.
• Plates food using "family style meal" patterns, delivering meals to and from onsite classrooms.
• Inspects, stores, and prepares food items complying with mandated health and food safety standards.
• Inventories food, condiments and goods/supplies to verify correct delivery quantities and requests orders from the main kitchen to maintain adequate quantities.
• Monitors kitchen and food service areas and storage, ensuring a safe and sanitary working environment.
• Ensures required components and quantity of each food item to meet the mandated nutritional requirements of each meal service type, (breakfast, lunch, and snack) and to meet the individual needs of the students' food allergies, intolerances, and preferences for the onsite classes.
• Prepares written materials (i.e., menus, reports, meal counts, etc.) for the purpose of accurately documenting foods served, providing written information, and submitting required documents as required.
• Attend meetings and complete on-line trainings to ensure an efficient and effective work environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School diploma or GED preferred with at least one year of food service experience.
• Current and former Head Start/ECEAP parents received preference for employment vacancies of which they are equally qualified.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Initial health examination, including screening for TB. (See Medical Release form)
• Obtain a first Aid and Child CPR card within 60 days of hiring and keep current.
• Complete fingerprinting/background clearance requirements through DCYF.
• Obtain a Food Handler's Permit prior to starting and keep current.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to relate positively to children and adults.

Knowledge of sound nutritional practice, especially in relation to the needs of young children.

Ability to work effectively with children, families, community members, and staff of diverse backgrounds.

Ability to work as a part of a team and individually as necessary.

Ability to use effective organizational and time management skills.

Ability to follow directions and guidance from the management staff.<