Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Training and development opportunities
Job Description
The Salvation Army is a global evangelical movement and a vital part of the universal Christian Church. Dedicated to sharing the message of the Bible, the organization operates motivated by the love of God. With a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination, The Salvation Army combines faith with compassionate social services. It is renowned for its extensive humanitarian work, providing food assistance, shelter, disaster relief, rehabilitation services, and community support programs at various centers, including the Lodi Hope Harbor Family Service Center and Lodi Corps Shelter. These facilities serve individuals and families in need, offering both immediate care and ongoing support to promote stability and hope.
The role offered within The Salvation Army is that of a Kitchen Assistant primarily responsible for supporting food preparation, meal serving, and maintaining a sanitary kitchen environment across its Lodi facilities. This position is crucial to ensuring smooth food operations in the shelter and family service environments, enhancing guests’ experiences through nutritious meal delivery and high culinary standards. The Kitchen Assistant works closely with the Culinary Arts Director, Chef (Sous Chef), staff, and students training for culinary roles, ensuring adherence to safety and health standards such as ServSafe regulations. Duties include assisting with procurement and storage, including coordinating food stock between the shelter and the Corps food bank warehouse, deep cleaning responsibilities, and helping at catered Salvation Army events. This role occasionally requires driving duties using Salvation Army vehicles for the canteen or catering services following appropriate training.
Candidates should anticipate a collaborative, fast-paced kitchen environment where they will play a key role in upholding The Salvation Army’s mission to provide compassionate care through nutritious meals. Safeguarding a clean, safe, and well-organized kitchen space aligns not only with health compliance but also with the spirit of service. The position demands a high level of responsibility, from maintaining kitchen security and tools to meticulous food handling and reporting safety issues. It also offers opportunities to cover shifts for other cooks, fostering a dynamic work setting that supports both professional culinary development and community outreach.
This role requires an individual who can operate independently while also contributing as an effective team member, embodying the values of empathy, respect, and inclusiveness critical to The Salvation Army's work with diverse populations. The position is suitable for motivated individuals who possess valid California Class C Driver’s License, are at least 21 years old, and can meet physical requirements including lifting and standing for extended periods. Certifications such as the CA Food Handler Card and experience or willingness to learn and follow strict food safety protocols are essential. Through this role, the individual will tangibly impact the lives of community members by providing essential nourishment and support, reinforcing The Salvation Army's ongoing commitment to meet human needs without discrimination.
The role offered within The Salvation Army is that of a Kitchen Assistant primarily responsible for supporting food preparation, meal serving, and maintaining a sanitary kitchen environment across its Lodi facilities. This position is crucial to ensuring smooth food operations in the shelter and family service environments, enhancing guests’ experiences through nutritious meal delivery and high culinary standards. The Kitchen Assistant works closely with the Culinary Arts Director, Chef (Sous Chef), staff, and students training for culinary roles, ensuring adherence to safety and health standards such as ServSafe regulations. Duties include assisting with procurement and storage, including coordinating food stock between the shelter and the Corps food bank warehouse, deep cleaning responsibilities, and helping at catered Salvation Army events. This role occasionally requires driving duties using Salvation Army vehicles for the canteen or catering services following appropriate training.
Candidates should anticipate a collaborative, fast-paced kitchen environment where they will play a key role in upholding The Salvation Army’s mission to provide compassionate care through nutritious meals. Safeguarding a clean, safe, and well-organized kitchen space aligns not only with health compliance but also with the spirit of service. The position demands a high level of responsibility, from maintaining kitchen security and tools to meticulous food handling and reporting safety issues. It also offers opportunities to cover shifts for other cooks, fostering a dynamic work setting that supports both professional culinary development and community outreach.
This role requires an individual who can operate independently while also contributing as an effective team member, embodying the values of empathy, respect, and inclusiveness critical to The Salvation Army's work with diverse populations. The position is suitable for motivated individuals who possess valid California Class C Driver’s License, are at least 21 years old, and can meet physical requirements including lifting and standing for extended periods. Certifications such as the CA Food Handler Card and experience or willingness to learn and follow strict food safety protocols are essential. Through this role, the individual will tangibly impact the lives of community members by providing essential nourishment and support, reinforcing The Salvation Army's ongoing commitment to meet human needs without discrimination.
Job Requirements
- Must possess a valid California Class C Driver License
- Must be 21 years or older
- Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check including DOJ Livescan Fingerprint check
- Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training
- High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred
- CA Food Handler Certification Card required
- Ability to work independently without daily immediate supervision and as part of a team
- Must have good English written and verbal skills
- Must have ability to empathize and communicate with diverse people
- Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist intermittently or continuously
- Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
- Ability to reach overhead
- Ability to operate telephone and computer
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs
- Ability to process written, visual, and verbal information
- Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools
Job Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred
- CA Food Handler Certification Card required
- Valid California Class C Driver License
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good English written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to empathize and work with diverse populations
- Completion of The Salvation Army vehicle course training
Job Duties
- Maintain culinary standards taught in class while students work in kitchen, during scheduled work therapy duties and hours
- Assist with SYSCO procurement for shelter food
- Assist with deep cleaning for staff, students and weekend help
- Uphold ServSafe rules in kitchen and with staff and students
- Assist Chef (Sous Chef) in various kitchen duties including food preparation and kitchen clean-up
- Ensure stock for all kitchen needs including foodstuffs and supplies and coordinate Corps food bank warehouse stock with shelter stock
- Assist with catering duties and driving the van and canteen when necessary
- Assist with storage and receipt of food goods received and handle leftovers according to food handling standards
- Maintain a clean kitchen at all times and keep food storage, prep and service areas orderly
- Maintain a safe and sanitary work environment conforming to all standards and regulations
- Adhere to safety policies and report incidents promptly
- Ensure meal set up and clean up including dishwashing and sanitizing equipment
- Return all kitchen tools, keys and equipment to designated secure areas and ensure storage areas are locked
- Complete all required training
- Cover days off for Chef and other cooks as needed
- Adhere to shelter kitchen daily dress code
- Perform other duties as assigned by Culinary Arts Director or Corps Officers
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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