Humboldt Senior Resource Center is looking for a part-time Production Assistant to support the Nutrition & Activities Department. The schedule for this position is Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 1:30 pm with a 30-minute lunch break.

JOB SUMMARY: The Production Assistant supports the Nutrition & Activities Department by assisting with the preparation, production, and packaging of meals that serve older adults in the community. This role is responsible for maintaining high standards of food quality, sanitation, and safety while working collaboratively with the kitchen team. The Production Assistant plays an important role in delivering nutritious meals, supporting program operations, and upholding agency values in service to participants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prep Duties:

• Assists with daily prep tasks as required.
• Responsible for production and packaging of frozen meals.
• Maintains safe and sanitary procedures according to program standards and policies in all areas of cleanup and food services.
• Assists Lead Cook in preparation of meals and starch as needed.
• Maintains cleanliness in the meal service area and works with volunteers as needed.
• May assist in menu planning.

Dishwashing Duties:

• Cleans, washes, sanitizes, and stores meal service dishes, pots, and pans, as well as work areas and food service equipment.
• Transports dishes and meal pans to and from meal service area and dish room.
• Maintains cleanliness in dish area.
• Checks temperatures and sanitizes surfaces and equipment daily; documents activity.
• Changes bucket containing sanitizer, soap, and rinse.
• Checks dishwasher temperature and chlorine PPM daily. Addresses any problems that may arise with the Food Service Manager.
• Closes the kitchen including the dish area.
• Participates in training and other meetings as required by the Food Service Manager.

General Duties:

• Works with volunteers working within the professional discipline and program area. Participates actively in their training as a guide, teacher, and mentor.
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with agency values: Respect, Patient, Courteous, Tolerant, Friendly, and Teamwork.
• Additional duties may be assigned, as needed, that align with the responsibilities of the position and support the vision, mission, and values of the organization.

EDUCATION &/or EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience in food handling, service, and cleanup desirable.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of, and ability to follow public health and safety standards.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Food Handler’s certification required (ServSafe, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, or other approved certification).
• Current CPR and First Aid certification within six (6) months of hire.

PRE-SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
• COVID-19 and Influenza (flu) vaccines preferred.

JOB SKILLS:

• Ability to follow prepared menus, extend recipes, make close estimates of quantity of food required and to use portion control.
• Ability to interpret and comply with various agency, program, and food safety requirements.
• Possess knowledge, skills, and experience with food programs as well as large quantity and progressive cookery.
• Possess general knowledge of basic nutrition, food sanitation, and food safety.
• Possess attention to detail and ability to judge food quality.
• Ability to handle and prepare food in accordance with high quality food preparation, sanitation and safety standards.
• Ability to use and care for various types of kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Applies good judgement, resourcefulness, and flexibility to resolve issues and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities in English; able to convey information clearly and professionally to staff and participants,
• Builds positive relationships with diverse populations, including aging adults, staff, and community stakeholders.
• Works effectively as part of a team demonstrating sound listening skills to receive directions and feedback; maintains a cooperative and supportive attitude.
• Remains calm and effective when priorities shift, deadlines change, and unexpected issues arise.
• Maintains confidentiality, reliability, and ethical standards; consistently demonstrates punctuality, attendance, and responsibility in work performance.
• Ability to be dependable, accept supervision, follow direction, and improve performance through feedback.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Basic knowledge of computers and web-based applications such as timekeeping, training, and email programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical abilities sufficient to move between different staff work areas, stand for long periods of time, bend, and lift and carry food items and supplies. Work takes place in a kitchen with exposure to hot food, cleaning chemicals, and varying temperatures. Must be able to communicate with co-workers, operate a computer, and use hands repetitively.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed. They are not to be considered an exhaustive list of all job tasks performed. The agency reserves the right to change job descriptions, work hours or work sites as required by the program.

The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a private, non-profit, multi-purpose senior center providing a continuum of social and health related services. The agency currently holds contracts with the California Department of Aging and Area 1 Agency on Aging.

The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is an equal opportunity employer. We will not unlawfully discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms or conditions of employment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, breastfeeding, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other basis protected by applicable Federal or State law.