Center for Elders' Independence Careers

Kitchen Aide

The Center for Elders’ Independence is a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the elderly) organization that uses an interdisciplinary team approach to care planning and care implementation for the purpose of providing high quality, affordable, integrated health care services to the elderly, including an Adult Day Health Center, and promoting autonomy, quality of life and the ability of individuals to live in their communities.

The Position: Under the direction of the Day Center Supervisor, the Kitchen Aide supports the daily operations of the PACE center’s food service program by assisting with food preparation, meal service, dishwashing and sanitation duties in accordance with regulatory standards and participant needs. The Kitchen Aide ensures a clean, safe and efficient kitchen environment while helping provide nutritious meals to participants.

The hourly pay range for the Kitchen Aide position at Center for Elders’ Independence is $25.00 to $35.00. Placement within the range is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data, consistent with CEI’s annual compensation review and established compensation practices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with basic food preparation tasks and serving meals and snacks to participants.
• Portion, plate, and serve meals according to prescribed diets and menu plans.
• Deliver meals to participants in the day center and/or package meals for home delivery.
• Observe and report any changes in participant appetite, behavior, or meal intake to nutrition team
• Ensure all meals meet the dietary and cultural preferences of participants as directed by the Registered Dietitian.
• Support special events or dietary requests as needed.
• Set up and clean dining areas before and after meals.
• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure a clean and safe kitchen and dining environment.
• Wash dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment, and maintain kitchen cleanliness.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, refrigerators, freezers, and storage spaces.
• Maintain accurate kitchen logs such as food temperature and cleaning logs as required.
• Assist in receiving, labeling and storing food deliveries and supplies.
• Check for expired food items and discard according to food storage guidelines.
• Follow procedures for operating a variety of kitchen equipment.
• Adhere to personal hygiene practices in accordance with food safety guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Nutrition team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Food Handlers Certificate (or ability to obtain upon hire) required.
• Previous experience in a healthcare food service environment preferred.
• Basic understanding of dietary restrictions and modified diets, preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Experience working with older adults or in a PACE program.
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and carry trays or food items.
• Ability to work in a hot, fast-paced kitchen environment.

The above job description is intended to communicate the general function of the above-mentioned position and by no means shall be considered an exhaustive or complete outline of the specific tasks and functions that will be required.  CEI reserves the right to change job descriptions, site assignments, and or work hours as required by the needs of the program.  All employees are expected to perform their duties within their ability as required by the job and/or as requested by management.