Kitchen Maintenance (Food and Nutrition)

Intro/Program Description: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that provide services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York Citys leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults throughout Manhattan and New York City. Every day we work for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families. The Isaacs Center focuses primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Purpose of Position: The primary function of the Kitchen Maintenance position is to provide daily support to the kitchen team by ensuring a clean, safe, and well-organized work environment. This role is responsible for washing and sanitizing dishes, utensils, cookware, and kitchen equipment; assisting with basic food preparation; maintaining cleanliness throughout the kitchen; and supporting overall kitchen and pantry operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of DOHMH health code regulations, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate is dependable, punctual, and team-oriented, with strong communication and customer service skills. They are committed to maintaining the highest standards of sanitation, food safety, and operational efficiency while contributing positively to the overall success of the kitchen team.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Hourly Rate: $20.27

Qualifications

Role, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

- Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, cookware, food preparation equipment, and kitchen tools in accordance with established sanitation standards.

- Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of all kitchen, pantry, food preparation, storage, and service areas.

- Assist with basic food preparation and other kitchen support tasks as assigned.

- Support pantry operations, including stocking, organizing, inventory rotation, and maintaining a clean and orderly workspace.

- Follow all applicable DOHMH health, safety, sanitation, and food-handling regulations.

- Remove trash and recycling promptly and maintain clean, safe, and hazard-free workstations.

- Support kitchen staff with daily operations to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.

- Monitor inventory of cleaning supplies and notify supervisors when replenishment is needed.

- Work collaboratively with team members to foster a productive, respectful, and efficient work environment.

- Assist in the cleaning, sanitizing, and maintenance of refrigeration and freezer units, steam tables, beverage dispensers, dining room tables, cupboards, shelves, racks, work surfaces, cooking equipment, appliances, dishes, utensils, and storage areas.

- Sweep, mop, and sanitize kitchen, pantry, and food preparation area floors in accordance with sanitation standards.

- Receive, inspect, and unload food and kitchen supplies; verify deliveries against invoices and stock supplies appropriately.

- Operate industrial dishwashing equipment safely and effectively; wash dishes and equipment by hand when necessary.

- Assist with packaging and preparing meals for distribution and delivery to clients.

- Participate actively in staff development activities, including supervision meetings, team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

- Maintain compliance with all organizational policies, procedures, and workplace safety requirements.

- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support kitchen and pantry operations.

- Must be available to work on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day as required by operational needs.

Qualifications

- Ability to stoop, bend, lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing 50 pounds or more regularlyKitchen.

- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume, and physically demanding environment.

- Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary dishwashing and kitchen work area.

- Ability to safely operate commercial dishwashing equipment and follow established cleaning and sanitation procedures.

- Ability to work flexible schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.

- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and a positive attitude.

- Demonstrated commitment to food safety, workplace safety, and compliance with DOHMH regulations.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Food Handler Certificate or Food Protection Certification is preferred.

- Prior experience in a commercial kitchen, food service operation, pantry, or similar environment is preferred but not required.

Work Environment

- Work is performed primarily in a commercial kitchen and pantry environment.

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.