Job Summary:

Supports the Head Start/Early Head Start Center by providing services in the areas of food preparation and service; dishwashing and removal of trash and waste following the meal service. The Kitchen/ Utility Aide is also responsible for the cleaning, sanitation and maintenance of kitchen areas, as well as for performing additional limited custodial/janitorial duties to assist in maintaining the cleanliness of the facility.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:

• Demonstrate safe and sanitary food handling practices at all times
• Keep the kitchen free of health and safety hazards; report and eliminate them when appropriate to prevent injury and/or the spread of illness
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work station at all times, including but not limited to; work areas, storage areas, equipment, supplies, serving and eating utensils
• Prepare and package meals and snacks for delivery to the individual classrooms
• Deliver meals and snacks to the individual classrooms in compliance with an established meal service schedule
• Assist with trash & waste removal following each meal service
• Wash dishes after meals, clean kitchen on a daily and weekly schedule, and maintain a sanitary kitchen environment
• Serve as ancillary support to other staff members in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitary conditions of the classrooms, restrooms and other common areas of the facility (containing and/or mopping up spills and removing debris, etc.)
• Other relative duties as assigned by the Center Manager

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma/General Education Diploma (GED) preferred
• 6 months food handling/preparation experience required
• Serve Safe Certification preferred

Essential Mental Functions:

• Knowledge of generally accepted food handling and safety guidelines and procedures
• Ability to read, convert and apply standard units of measure used in food preparation and service
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively, establish and maintain good working relationships with staff, students, parents and others encountered in the normal course of work

Essential Physical Functions:
Work is generally performed indoors in a climate controlled environment. Physical exertion is required due to frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, sitting, twisting or standing for prolonged periods of time. General dexterity required with the use of hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Incumbent is regularly required to talk and hear.

Incumbent must regularly carry/lift or move up to fifteen (15) pounds, and push/pull up to sixty-five (65) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.