Food Assistant

The Food Assistant will support the kitchen staff in food preparation, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring a smooth operation in the kitchen. This role is essential for providing a safe and efficient environment for food service.

The salary range for this position is $11.00-$17.00 per hour depending on qualifications and certifications.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:  

Scope of Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of food items, including washing, peeling, and chopping ingredients.


• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, including washing dishes and sanitizing work areas.


• Help with inventory management by checking stock levels and assisting in restocking supplies.


• Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure a safe kitchen environment.


• Support Food Service Manager and other kitchen staff with meal preparation and special requests as needed.


• Participate in kitchen clean up and maintenance tasks, including sweeping and mopping floors.


• Assist in packaging and serving food items during mealtimes.


• Positively interacts with program participants and other team members to create a respectful, warm, supportive environment.


• Participate in all mandatory training sessions and in-service workshops to enhance skills and knowledge, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and best practices.


• Participates in team meetings and other special events.


• Support other departments as needed.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Must be at minimum 15 years of age or older


• Must have ability to follow oral and written instructions


• Previous kitchen experience is a plus but not required


• Willingness to be trained in operating kitchen equipment


• Be able to have and maintain positive relationships with all customers from point of contact


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and follow instructions.


• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods


• Commitment to and passion for the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission is required including a passion for working with diverse communities


• Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations and schedules


• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work as part of a team


• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodation(s) for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.


• Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.


• Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.


• Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.