Cook & Kitchen Assistant

Overview

Join a mission-driven team dedicated to ending food insecurity and use your culinary and creative gifts to serve our community with dignity and compassion. The Cook/Kitchen Assistant plays a vital role in preparing and serving nutritious meals made from scratch to individuals experiencing hardship. This position helps create a welcoming, respectful environment where every guest is treated with care. The position supports daily kitchen, warehouse, and dining operations.

If you are passionate about service, teamwork, and making a meaningful difference every day, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in planning menus and prepare meals according to menu plan
• Maintain proper food storage, labeling, and handling in compliance with health and safety regulations
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, food preparation areas, and dining facilities
• Maintain daily temperature logs for all storage areas
• Monitor meal services inventory and communicate supply needs
• Coordinate with warehouse staff regarding food stock and deliveries
• Assist in receiving and processing donated food (“grocery rescue”) items
• Weigh and track inventory and maintain accurate records
• Assist with training, coordinating, and supporting volunteers under the direction of the Kitchen Manager
• Ensure guest and volunteer safety during meal service
• Assist with end-of-day closing procedures, including securing facilities as directed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Ability to prepare and serve large-scale, nutritious meals in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to treating all guests with dignity and compassion
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling practices
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Good judgment and ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Experience working in a commercial or high-volume kitchen
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License and clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising or coordinating volunteers
• Current Food Handler’s Card (or ability to obtain within 14 days of hire)
• Experience working in nonprofit or mission-driven environments
• Previous experience working with people experiencing homelessness and trauma

Working Conditions

• Able to stand, walk and bend for extended periods of time
• Able to lift to 50 lbs. to waist height and reach and lift objects from overhead
• Work performed in kitchen and food service environments

Schedule:

• Full-time position. Schedule may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Pay: $17.00 - $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person