Be a part of our Mission! The Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara County empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to thrive and make meaningful impact. Through supportive services, community engagement, and enriching programs, we help families, build opportunities, and cultivate a welcoming sense of belonging.
Perks and Benefits!
-Retirement plan options
-Internal promotions and growth opportunities
-Access to paid training and certifications
-Meaningful work that positively impacts the community
-Clear values and mission-driven organization
The Culinary Program at Alpha provides participants with the unique opportunity to work in a commercial kitchen and develop valuable culinary skills. The Culinary Kitchen Assistant plays a key role in supporting and coordinating this program for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This position works with the Culinary Program Coordinator in preparing daily meals with and for the day program participants, assists participants in achieving their personal goals, and maintains a safe and hygienic kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the culinary arts and a commitment to empowering our participants in their culinary journey.
SCHEDULE
Monday through Friday from 9:30am - 1:30pm
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Support the design and development of the Culinary Program and curriculum, assist with daily kitchen operations, and lead culinary classes as needed.
2. Work in coordination with the Culinary Program Coordinator to design daily lunch menus and prepare meals for Adult Day Program participants.
3. Support baking and preparation of baked goods for events, participants, and staff.
4. Assist Culinary Program Coordinator in keeping accurate records of participant progress, assessments, and activities.
5. Foster a positive, respectful environment for all.
7. Maintain professional integrity and align with program and organizational mission.
HEALTHY AND SAFE OPERATIONS
1. Ensure the kitchen environment meets all safety standards and guidelines.
2. Ensure that appropriate health, safety, licensing, and service standards are remediated and met. Keep Program Manager and Facility Manager apprised of any potential hazards or safety concerns.
3. With Culinary Program Coordinator, maintain updated documents on health and safety concerns for all participants on caseload and ensure that all staff are informed and trained on any related issues.
4. Promote a positive atmosphere for staff and participant growth and self-awareness.
5. Keep abreast of developments in the field of developmental disabilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Professional culinary experience or desire to learn.
· The employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
· The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Appropriate training will be provided where necessary, and specific assistance in refreshing the employee in those areas where appropriate.
· Eligible to work in the United States
· Fingerprint clearance through DOJ
· First Aid and CPR certification
· Medical Clearance and negative for Tuberculosis
· Valid CA driver license, reliable personal vehicle with evidence of insurance
· Basic knowledge of office practices and office equipment
· Ability to safeguard confidential information obtained during employment
· Ability to work both individually and as a team member and prioritize work
· Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
· Well-organized and able to respond effectively and constructively to a diversity of individuals and situations
· Must be able to establish rapport and communicate with clients of diverse cultural, educational and mental and physical ability
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
· High School diploma or equivalent or a combination of education and experience; or three (3) years paid, full-time employment in the human services field, at least one (1) year directly with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
· First-aid and CPR certification
LANGUAGE SKILLS
The ability to read, write and speak English clearly is mandatory. The ability to speak Spanish is desirable but not mandatory. The ability to communicate information to other employees, clients, family members as well as management in a clear and concise manner is essential.
REASONING ABILITY
Employee is able to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions, either written, oral, or diagram form. Must possess the ability to deal with problems involving several variables in any standardized situation. Must be able to prioritize tasks and activities in a manner consistent with direction from supervisor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The employee must have the upper body strength to be able to safely lift and/or move up to 35 lbs. unassisted in a vertical lift, and be able to assist in mobilizing participants weighing up to 170 lbs. with assistance. Must be able to attend to personal hygiene and toileting needs for participants on an occasional basis.
The employee is regularly required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or feel equipment, paper, or files. The employee must be able to operate a computer keyboard as well as see a computer monitor display screen. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, kneel, squat and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
This position requires the manual dexterity and adequate vision to read written materials, enter data into a computer, adequate hearing and verbal communication skills to conduct conversations (in person or on the telephone) and interact with staff and others to perform duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment would be generally described as an office setting with classroom facilities adjacent to the primary work area. Occasional trips off-site to work in a community setting are required. The ability to move within all of these areas is required in the execution of the employee’s functional activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the illumination of the work area is primarily with fluorescent artificial lighting.
