Kitchen Assistant

St Vincent de Paul, Louisville (SVDP) is a longstanding and reputable social charity committed to alleviating poverty and homelessness in the Louisville community. Established as one of the city's longest-serving charitable organizations, SVDP offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support individuals and families in crisis. These services include homeless shelters, transitional and supportive housing programs, professional case management, clinical services, an Open Hand Kitchen, a food pantry, and multiple retail thrift stores. Through these programs, the organization provides dignified housing, meals, and essential support to vulnerable populations, fostering hope and empowerment for those in need.

The Open Hand Kitchen (OHK) is a vital part of St Vincent de Paul’s mission, serving nutritious meals daily to people living on campus in the emergency shelter and transitional housing, as well as the general public. Within this supportive and mission-driven environment, the Kitchen Staff Member plays a crucial role in ensuring that all aspects of meal preparation and kitchen operations uphold the organization’s high standards for food quality, safety, and sanitation. This position directly assists the Lead Cook and Cook with planning, preparing, presenting, and delivering healthy meals seven days a week.

The role involves maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment including the walk-in cooler, freezer, and food preparation areas. The Kitchen Staff Member must adhere strictly to Open Hand Kitchen’s sanitation guidelines, proper food handling procedures, and labeling requirements to guarantee the freshness and safety of all food served. Collaboration with staff, clients, and volunteers is essential to sustain an efficient kitchen operation and a supportive atmosphere.

Ideal candidates will possess experience in commercial kitchen settings, knowledge of safety and health department sanitation guidelines, and the ability to work effectively and professionally with diverse populations including the unhoused. Self-motivation, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills are valued attributes. The position requires commitment to the core mission and values of St Vincent de Paul, emphasizing compassion and dignity in service delivery.

Employment with SVDP offers more than just a job — it provides a meaningful opportunity to positively impact lives in the community. The organization values its employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package including paid holidays, health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other supportive programs. The role of Kitchen Staff Member at Open Hand Kitchen is vital to continuing the legacy of service and excellence that St Vincent de Paul maintains in Louisville.