Title: Chef or Cook/Kitchen Assistant
Reports to: Kimberly Greenfield, Director of Disability and Inclusion Services
Classification: Non-Exempt
Summary:
This role combines typical chef/cook and kitchen assistant duties with a strong emphasis on supporting
individuals with disabilities in a classroom setting. The Kitchen Assistant provides crucial support to the Ezra
Center cooking class, designed for both neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals. This role involves assisting
a chef or cook with meal preparation, serving meals, maintaining kitchen and/or kitchen item sanitation, and
adapting services to meet diverse needs, all while fostering a supportive and engaging experience for
participants.
Essential Functions:
Food Preparation Assistance:
o Assist the chef or cook in preparing meals and snacks by recipe, including but not limited
to washing, chopping, and measuring ingredients etc.
o Follow recipes and adapt as needed for dietary restrictions and accessibility following
the chef's or cook’s guidance
o Ensure proper handling and storage of food according to safety and hygiene guidelines
o Support the accessibility of all participants while promoting safe independence through
modeling
Meal Service & Support:
o Assist with setting up and serving class participant-prepared snacks and meals during
the class
o Provide individualized support during preparation and cooking periods of the class,
including assistance with utensils, assistance with measuring ingredients, modeling
cooking techniques demonstrated by the cook or chef, as needed
o Maintain a positive and inclusive cooking and dining experience for all participants
Kitchen/Kitchen Items Maintenance & Safety:
o Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, kitchen items, and dining area of
the class
o Operate and clean kitchen items/equipment safely and efficiently before and/or after
class as required with the chef or cook
o Follow all food safety and sanitation guidelines, including proper handwashing, glove
use, and food handling procedures.
Communication & Collaboration:
o Communicate effectively and patiently with the class chef or cook, caregivers or support
workers, and participants.
o Work collaboratively as part of a team to ensure smooth and efficient delivery of the
class instruction
Knowledge and Skills:
Patience and Empathy: The ability to understand and support individuals with diverse needs.
Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication, both verbal and non-verbal, to interact
effectively with students and staff.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to adjust to changing situations and individual needs
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to food safety, hygiene, and accurate portioning
Food Preparation & Safety Knowledge: Basic culinary skills and understanding of food safety and
sanitation procedures
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
Work in a kitchen environment, potentially exposed to heat, cold, noise, and cleaning chemicals
Regularly required to stand, bend, lift, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity
May work around moving mechanical parts and in potentially wet or slippery conditions within
the kitchen area
Physical Stamina: Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and carry items up to 25 pounds, and
perform repetitive tasks
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a part-time position. Days and hours are generally Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Required Education and Expectations
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities,
duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and
activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary/Wages: $24.00 per hour
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company who
does not discriminate against candidates and employees because of their disability, sex, race, gender
identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, veteran status, or any other protected status
under the law.
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
