Kitchen Assistant - Full Time

Description

Join a team where your work truly makes a difference!

At Voluntary Action Center (VAC), we’ve been proudly serving seniors and individuals with disabilities for over 50 years. As part of our Nutrition Program, we provide nutritious meals with care and compassion and we’re looking for a dedicated Kitchen Assistant to help us deliver on that mission.

As a Kitchen Assistant, you’ll support our cooks and kitchen operations by preparing and packaging meals that go out to clients across DeKalb County. You’ll be working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where quality, safety, and service are top priorities. This position offers 30-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional holiday shifts eligible for premium pay.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and packaging meals for delivery.
• Operate commercial kitchen equipment (e.g., (dishwasher, ovens, meat slicer, steam tables, etc.)
• Clean dishes, organize storage, and assist with inventory.
• Learn batch cooking to serve as a backup cook when needed.
• Provide support to the Meals on Wheels team.
• Maintain a positive, cooperative attitude and uphold VAC’s values.
• Must follow food safety and sanitation practices.

Benefits Include

• Medical Insurance with FSA and HSA options
• Dental and Vision Coverage
• Basic & Voluntary Life Insurance and AD&D
• Short-Term Disability
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Illinois Paid Leave, and Extended Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays and Bereavement Leave
• Retirement Plan Options
• Growth and Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family

Be part of something bigger—help us feed the community and fuel dignity, apply today!

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Prior kitchen or food service experience required.
• Prior experience with large-scale or batch food preparation is strongly preferred. 
• Illinois Food Handler Certification (or must obtain within 30 days of hire)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Reliable, positive, and team-oriented attitude.
• Passion for supporting your community.
• Ability to pass a background check and physical exam.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Familiarity with kitchen safety and sanitation.
• Strong communication and time management.
• Able to follow instructions and work independently.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

This position operates in a fast-paced, close-quartered kitchen environment near ovens, grills, and other commercial equipment. Team members are on their feet for most of the shift and must be comfortable working in areas that can be warm, noisy, and physically active involving:

• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, climbing, and bending.
• Regular lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects 10-20lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.
• Physical stamina and mobility to perform tasks that may be strenuous or repetitive.
• Ability to lift items from floor to waist level, and occasionally to overhead level.
• Repetitive use of hands, wrists, and arms.
• Visual acuity for depth perception and field of vision.

Voluntary Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by law.