Kitchen Associate SY25 - Immediate Opening

About DC Scholars

 DC Scholars Public Charter School was founded in 2012 and serves approximately 500 students in Preschool - 8th grade. DC Scholars develops life-long scholars who have the academic knowledge and skills, individual passions, and community-mindedness necessary to succeed in and contribute to an ever-changing world. We have cultivated a mission-oriented and collaborative team. Our staff is enthusiastic about constantly setting and reaching a high bar for students.  

The Position

The Kitchen Associate's duties include preparation of food and serving of meals, general kitchen organization, and cleaning duties as directed. The Kitchen Associate will be reporting to and supporting the Kitchen Lead in the day-to-day running of the kitchen in compliance with relevant Health & Safety and Food Hygiene requirements. We are looking for a candidate who possesses the ability to work flexibly and as part of a team. We expect punctuality, reliability, and capacity for hard work which are essential to this role and directly impact the health and success of our scholars. You will be required to report to work from 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM to fulfill your job duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitors student meal service to ensure all students are receiving a complete reimbursable meal.
• Operate specialized food service equipment. 
• Assist in food production, service, and/or cleanup tasks as assigned. 
• Receive and unpack food and supplies. 
• Clean and maintain food service equipment and facilities. 
• Participate in ongoing professional training. 
• Observe safety and security procedures, report potentially unsafe conditions. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Mindset

• Passion for educational equity and a commitment to the mission and vision of DC Scholars and values
• Collaborative leadership style
• High standards for self and for others
• Demonstrates humility, seeks growth opportunities and feedback from colleagues

Background, Experience, and Desired Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience preparing quantities of food or working in a kitchen is preferred.
• Have or in process of acquiring Food Handling Certification.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate with others.
• Contribute to building a positive team spirit, put the success of team above own interests.
• Build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives, and support everyone's efforts to succeed. 
• Ability to identify, resolve and communicate problems and solutions in a timely and respectful manner. 
• Ability to exhibit objectivity and openness to others' views, give and welcome feedback.
• Ability to follow instructions and respond to supervisor direction and take responsibility for your own actions. 
• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently. 
• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality when dealing with student, staff, and/or parent information. 
• Ability to meet challenges and goes above and beyond.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures. 

• The employee will be required to stand for extended periods of time.
• Utilizing lots of body movements - pushing/pulling, reaching, bending, stooping, wiping, and cutting are all required in this role.
• Will lift and carry cases and sacks weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Following hazards may occur - cuts, burns, tripping, slipping, tripping, and employee will be exposed to fumes, airborne particles.
• May have to work in humid or wet conditions.
• The noise level in the workplace is usually moderate.

Health and Safety

• Understand and be able to apply Health and Safety procedures relevant to the job such as:
  • Food Handling Certification 
  • Manual handling of food and supplies
  • Safe use of machinery and/or equipment
  • First Aid and Hygiene Practice 

Compensation & Benefits

• The hourly range for this role is $17.50 to $22.16 in alignment with the DC Scholars compensation philosophy. Starting salaries for new hires will be determined based on a combination of the new hire's relevant experience and market demands.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance.

DC Scholars encourages individuals of all identities and backgrounds to apply for this position. We are an equal opportunity employer fully committed to hiring a talented and diverse group of individuals. DC Scholars does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by applicable law.