Culinary Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

This part-time, at-will position supports the preparation, production, and service of food for catering

operations and kitchen operations. This role helps ensure high-quality food execution, maintains

compliance with safety and sanitation standards, and contributes to efficient daily operations. The

Culinary Assistant plays an important part in delivering positive customer experience by assisting with

event setup, food service, and post-event cleanup.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Assist with daily food preparation, cooking, and plating for catering services, Food Truck events and kitchen operations.
2. Support menu execution by preparing ingredients, following standardized recipes, and maintaining quality standards.
3. Ensure all food is prepared, handled, and stored in compliance with established food safety and sanitation regulations.
4. Assist with setup, deliver, service, and breakdown at catering events and mobile food service locations.
5. Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of the kitchen, food truck, and all work areas.
6. Assist with inventory management, including receiving, stocking, and organizing supplies for daily operations.
7. Provide operational support to the Manager and team members as needed.
8. Clean, sanitize, and properly secure equipment, vehicles, and prep areas after each use.
9. Work a flexible schedule that may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and occasional holidays.
10. Other duties as may be assigned and/or requested from time to time in fulfillment of the agency’s mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for supporting meal preparation, ingredient handling, and the execution of

standardized recipes to ensure consistent food quality. The role contributes to event operations by

assisting with setup, service and breakdown of catering and mobile food service activities. Additional

responsibilities include maintaining sanitary workspaces, helping organize supplies, supporting

inventory processes, and ensuring compliance with food safety requirements. The Culinary Assistant

collaborates with management and team members to achieve efficient operations and high standards in

customer service. Employee will perform their duties in accordance with the Allowable and

Unallowable Activities for the service provided, specifically, the Home Delivered Meals section of the

most recent version of the Indiana Health Coverage Programs, Provider Reference Manual, Home and

Community Based Services Waivers (“Waiver Manual”).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

•  Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices, including sanitation, safe food handling, and proper storage.
•  Ability to properly use, clean, and maintain kitchen equipment, tools, and work areas.
•  Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills for effective coordination with supervisors, team members, and clients.
•  Awareness of dietary requirements and the ability to support special diet needs; ability to obtain required food safety certifications after hire.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

•  High School Diploma and/or GED required.
•  1 year of culinary experience preferred.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

Work involves following established procedures, applying safe food-handling practices, and maintaining

attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. The position requires moderate physical effort, including

standing for long periods, lifting and carrying supplies, and working in variable conditions such as outdoor

event sites or mobile food units. Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple tasks while

maintaining quality and professionalism are essential.

PERSONAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•  With clients and public.
•  With REAL Services staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met

by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations

may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

•  Successful candidate must submit to a pre-employment drug screening, limited criminal history check, driver check, National Sex Offender Registry check, SAM and OIG exclusion screenings. Must pass and maintain compliance with the agency’s background check policy.
•  Proof of educational credentials is required at employment.
•  Valid driver's license and a dependable vehicle required.
•  Must meet the Agency’s required car insurance coverage level at time employment begins and maintain it throughout the duration of employment (Liability Coverage: $100,000/$300,000/$100,000).
•  This position has a 90-day probationary period.