Position Summary
The Dishwasher & Kitchen Prep employee supports the safe, efficient, and sanitary operation of the kitchen by maintaining clean dishes, utensils, equipment, and work areas while assisting with basic food preparation. This position plays an important role in ensuring meals are prepared and served in a clean, organized, and timely manner.
The ideal candidate is dependable, able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, and committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and teamwork.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Dishwashing & Sanitation
- Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, cookware, utensils, trays, serving equipment, and other kitchen items.
- Operate commercial dishwashing equipment safely and properly.
- Ensure dishes and utensils are thoroughly cleaned and properly stored.
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of sinks, dishwashing stations, countertops, and surrounding areas.
- Clean kitchen equipment, appliances, storage areas, and work surfaces as assigned.
- Sweep and mop kitchen and food-service areas.
- Empty trash and replace liners throughout the kitchen.
- Properly dispose of food waste, trash, and recyclables.
- Follow established procedures for the safe use and storage of cleaning chemicals.
- Assist with routine and end-of-shift kitchen cleaning.
Kitchen & Food Preparation
- Assist kitchen staff with basic food preparation, including washing, peeling, cutting, portioning, and preparing ingredients.
- Prepare simple food items according to established instructions, menus, or recipes.
- Assist with portioning and packaging meals and food items.
- Set up food preparation and serving areas before meal service.
- Assist with receiving, unpacking, and properly storing food and kitchen supplies.
- Rotate food and supplies according to established procedures.
- Restock ingredients, utensils, disposable products, and other kitchen supplies as needed.
- Assist with meal service and kitchen breakdown when required.
- Notify the supervisor of low inventory, damaged equipment, food-quality concerns, or sanitation issues.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Follow all organizational, local, state, and federal food-safety and sanitation requirements.
- Maintain proper personal hygiene and handwashing practices.
- Follow procedures designed to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illness.
- Maintain appropriate food storage, labeling, and temperature-control practices.
- Use personal protective equipment when required.
- Immediately report spills, unsafe conditions, equipment problems, or potential food-safety concerns to a supervisor.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED preferred but not required.
- Previous experience in a commercial kitchen, restaurant, cafeteria, senior center, healthcare facility, or similar food-service environment preferred.
- Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices preferred.
- Food-handler certification may be required depending on organizational or regulatory requirements.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality are essential.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
The employee must be able to:
- Work efficiently while maintaining attention to cleanliness and safety.
- Follow established recipes, portioning instructions, and sanitation procedures.
- Safely use knives, kitchen utensils, dishwashing equipment, and basic food-preparation equipment.
- Organize and prioritize assigned duties.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and other staff.
- Maintain a professional and cooperative attitude.
- Work independently when necessary and seek assistance when appropriate.
Physical Requirements
This position requires regular physical activity associated with commercial kitchen operations. The employee must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods.
- Frequently bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
- Lift and carry kitchen supplies, food products, cookware, and equipment.
- Safely lift approximately 30–50 pounds, with assistance when appropriate.
- Work around hot surfaces, steam, water, cleaning products, and commercial kitchen equipment.
- Work in environments where temperatures may vary due to ovens, refrigerators, freezers, and other kitchen equipment.
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed in a commercial kitchen or food-service environment. The employee may be exposed to heat, steam, moisture, food products, cleaning chemicals, sharp utensils, and slippery surfaces. Employees are expected to follow all established safety procedures and immediately report hazardous conditions.
Pre Employment Requirements:
Tuberculosis Test
Drug Screening
Background Check
For information on Direct Services visit our website at https://www.directservices.org/Home/Pages/Home-Page
Direct Services is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $10.50 per hour
Shift:
Work Location: In person
