Kitchen Assistant - Centennial Middle School

POSITION Kitchen Assistant

LOCATION Centennial Middle School

SCHEDULE

Hours/Day - 3

Days/Year - 192

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

SALARY

Level 4 Nutrition Services - SNAP Salary Schedule

Placement is dependent on experience

Pay is annualized over 12 months

JOB TYPE Hourly

UNION/CONTRACT SNAP (PSE)

START DATE

2026-2027 School Year

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Kitchen Manager or designee, assists and contributes to the preparation and service of high-quality, safe, nutritious meals following established guidelines. Participates and contributes to daily kitchen duties, including recipe preparation, inventory stocking, meal service, cashiering, and the care and cleanup of equipment and kitchen areas. Interacts with kitchen staff, students, school staff, and the public in a cooperative, positive, and professional manner.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior food service experience preferred.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Maintain a valid WA Food Worker Card.
• Successful Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint clearance.
• Valid Washington State driver's license or evidence of mobility.
• I-9 Employment Eligibility.
• Completion of all district-required trainings within thirty (30) calendar days from the hire date.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates and contributes to the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals.
• Abides by established food safety and sanitation rules.
• Participates and contributes to washing, cleaning, and sanitizing dishes, utensils, pots, pans, equipment, carts, counters, ovens, coolers, freezers, and/or anything else as needed or as directed.
• Follows directions on all aspects of food preparation, use, and care of kitchen equipment, and standards of practice.
• Contributes and assists with the proactive maintenance of equipment by reporting issues as they occur.
• Restocks utensils, condiments, and other supply containers as needed or requested.
• Assists and contributes to maintaining workable inventory levels of food and supplies by notifying the manager or designee when stocks are low.
• Assists and contributes to receiving, storing, and rotating food and supplies using the first-in, first-out method.
• Operates the point-of-sale terminal. Collects account payments as needed. Accurately prepares daily deposits. Completes and submits daily and monthly paperwork as required.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding free, reduced, and paying students.
• Contributes to the accurate completion of meal counts and production records.
• Assists in training and directing substitute help and student workers.
• Transports food to other school locations in an emergency as needed.
• Assists with opening and closing the kitchen prior to the beginning and at the end of each school year as needed.
• Cross-trains on all duties within the kitchen.
• Follows assigned daily tasks, duties, and production schedules. Adjusts pace to meet the demands of the kitchen workload.
• Timely and accurately completes and submits timesheets, leave requests, and absence reports.
• Immediately reports accidents, safety issues, and/or problems involving self, coworkers, or students to the manager or designee.
• Knows and follows procedures, policies, and requirements of the Nutrition Services program and West Valley School District.
• Assists in any special projects, catering, and additional duties as needed and/or assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read, write, and communicate, and understand verbal and written directions.
• Ability to follow directions, carry out routines, and implement instructions received from other kitchen staff or the Nutrition Services supervisor.
• Demonstrates basic mathematical skills, as well as the ability to read measuring devices.
• Operate district and Nutrition Services computer hardware and software.
• Use both hands and to lift, move, and carry a minimum of 50 pounds without assistance.
• Stand for extended periods of time, bend and stoop, and lift overhead.
• Be flexible and adjust work pace to meet the demands of a changing workload.
• Exhibits a professional attitude at all times and a willingness to work cooperatively with students, staff, co-workers, management, and the public in a positive and pleasant manner.
• Makes independent decisions and takes appropriate action while following established procedures and guidelines.
• Exhibits excellent customer service skills when dealing with students, school administrators, other kitchen staff, teachers, and the community at large.
• Continues professional growth and development by attending workshops, meetings, and continuing education to meet the annual USDA Professional Standards requirement of 6 hours per year.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This employee works during early morning to early afternoon hours. The kitchen environment is frequently warm and humid. The usual hazards associated with cooking equipment, such as hot stoves, ovens, steamers, and sharp cutting devices, are continually present. Frequent lifting of a variety of items weighing up to 50 pounds is required. Occasional lifting and reaching overhead, and climbing on a stool or ladder, are also required. Bending, stooping, and standing for extended periods of time are required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR

Nutrition Services Director/ Nutrition Services Supervisor/ Building Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and work year are determined by the negotiated agreement and the needs of the District.

Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences. The successful candidate for this position must complete a fingerprinted background check with the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Employment is contingent upon clearance of the background check.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HEALTHCARE BENEFITS - Employees who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 182-31 WAC have access to medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through the School Employee Benefit Board (SEBB).

RETIREMENT - All regular, non-substitute employees are enrolled in a state retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).

SICK LEAVE - All regular, non-substitute employees receive 12 sick leave days (prorated based on FTE) and paid time off. Substitute employees receive sick leave per RCW 49.46.210.

PAID TIME OFF - All regular, non-substitute employees receive paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave. Paid time off varies by position and work year. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.

OTHER BENEFITS

Classified employees receive 10-13 paid holidays (depending on position & work year). Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.

Employees may be eligible for VEBA including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion. Benefits are position specific. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.

West Valley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Sabre Dahl, 2805 N Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley WA 99212, Phone: (509) 924-2150, sabre.dahl@WVSD.org. Section 504 Coordinator, Dan Andrews, 2805 N Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley WA 99212, Phone: (509) 922-5478, dan.andrews@WVSD.org.