Food Service Assistant

The Salvation Army is a globally recognized Christian organization known for its extensive social services and humanitarian efforts. Established as an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, The Salvation Army is committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs regardless of race, creed, or circumstance. With roots deeply embedded in community support and outreach programs, the organization operates various shelters, food services, rehabilitation programs, and emergency response activities designed to uplift vulnerable populations. The Minnesota branch, located at 1010 Currie Avenue in Minneapolis, serves the Twin Cities metro area, offering critical resources including meal provision, shelter, and community engagement opportunities. The organization promotes inclusivity, encouraging applications from veterans, individuals returning to work, people with disabilities, those impacted by the justice system, and candidates without college degrees. Known for its mission-driven workforce, The Salvation Army maintains a respectful and supportive work environment where the dignity of every person is paramount.

The Food Service Assistant role is integral to the day-to-day operations within The Salvation Army’s commercial kitchen. This position supports the preparation and serving of meals, as well as the upkeep and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas, adhering strictly to Department of Health requirements. The Food Service Assistant works as a collaborative team member under the supervision of a corps officer or administrator, ensuring clients, staff, and community visitors are treated with respect and dignity. The role involves direct interaction with clients, requiring sensitivity to issues such as homelessness, addiction, unemployment, racial and cultural diversity. This is a part-time position with an expectation of 25 hours per week, focused on maintaining a positive workplace atmosphere by demonstrating professionalism in conflict resolution, communication, and collaboration.

Key responsibilities of the Food Service Assistant include meal preparation according to special dietary needs, serving meals on a schedule, monitoring staff meal counts, and ensuring cleanliness and organization of kitchen and dining spaces. Additional duties involve managing kitchen stock after deliveries, recording food temperatures before serving, assisting volunteers, and operating company vehicles for transportation of meals and supplies. This position requires physical stamina for prolonged standing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and engaging in repetitive motions throughout the workday. The role demands a valid driver’s license, passing background checks, drug testing, and safety training within the first 30 days of employment. Communication skills, both verbal and written, are essential, as is the ability to use approved software for word processing, email, and timecard management. The Food Service Assistant is a vital contributor to furthering the mission of The Salvation Army by providing compassionate food services and upholding the organization's values of justice, respect, and service.