Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Kitchen Assistant

A Kitchen Assistant is a professional who plays a vital role in supporting the operations of a kitchen. They work alongside chefs and other kitchen staff to ensure smooth functioning and efficient food preparation. Kitchen Assistants are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including food preparation, cleaning, and organizational duties. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Kitchen Assistants.

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Main Responsibilities of a Kitchen Assistant

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Kitchen Assistant:

Adhere to

Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures in place.
Adhere to food safety and hygiene regulations.
Adhere to workplace health and safety standards.

Answer

Answer store phones and direct calls as appropriate.

Assist in

Assist, at the cook's direction, the prepping and serving of all meals.
Assist developers in cross testing recipes.
Assist in baking and pastry production.
Assist in classrooms as needed (schedule will be provided).
Assist in cooking and food production.
Assist in food portioning and plating.
Assist in inventory management and stock rotation.
Assist in maintaining accurate records of food production and usage.
Assist in maintaining a positive and professional kitchen environment.
Assist in maintaining food quality and freshness.
Assist in menu planning and recipe development.
Assist in monitoring food costs and waste reduction.
Assist in monitoring food storage and expiration dates.
Assist in preparation of vegetables and meats.
Assist in preparing and serving meals as directed by the cook.
Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
Assist in the coordination of food orders and deliveries.
Assist in the plating and presentation of dishes.
Assist in the preparation of menu items for special dietary requirements.
Assist in the preparation of menu items under the supervision of the Head Chef.
Assist in the preparation of salads, sandwiches, and other cold dishes.
Assist in the receiving and inventorying of food and kitchen supplies.
Assist in the setup and service of catering events.
Assist in the training of new kitchen staff.
Assist in the unloading of storage and rotation of stock as per HACCP and company approved methods.
Assist kitchen cleaner in daily maintenance of kitchen.
Assist on shoots as needed.
Assist other kitchen helpers / cooks during the food assembly process.
Assist Private Chef in creating fresh, healthy, and delicious meals.
Assist the Kitchen Manager in the preparation of all meals and sandwiches.
Assist with basic food prep.
Assist with bussing tables.
Assist with cooking and serving of hot breakfast food items at meal times.
Assist with ordering food and is able to calculate the amount needed.
Assist with packing for picnics and overnight trips.
Assist with serving meals.
Assist with serving meals and bussing tables.
Assist with setting tables.
Assist with the development of new recipes.
Assist with weekly / monthly inventories as directed / required.

Assure

Assure the proper care, sanitation and maintenance of all food service.

Attend

Attend all required staff meetings, workshops and / or school functions.
Attend all scheduled employee meetings.
Attend staff meetings and training seminars as required.
Attend work regularly and is punctual.

Carry out

Carry out housekeeping duties as required.
Carry out the production of all dishes.

Check

Check and prepare the required mise en place.

Check-out

Check-out customer orders quickly and accurately, using correct prices and menu items.

Clean

Clean and sanitize dishwashing area.
Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces, equipment, and utensils.
Clean and sanitize the kitchen.
Clean and store equipment used in the preparation of meals.
Clean food preparation and production areas as required.
Clean garbage cans with water or steam.
Clean Kitchen and work area.
Clean refrigerators on a bi-weekly basis.
Clean food preparation areas as determined by law and company policy.
Clean kitchen and food serving areas.
Clean up after business hours.
Clean up and maintain a clean working environment for all equipment, kitchen and storage areas.
Clean, wash, sanitize and store all dishes as per Ottawa Public Health Guidelines.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with the kitchen team to ensure efficient workflow.
Collaborate with the team to implement inclusive program plans.

Collect

Collect all dirty dishes from rooms, wash and put away.

Communicate

Communicate sensitively and appropriately with parents / families.
Communicate with team members clearly and effectively.

Complete

Complete Dishwasher Temperature Log at required times.
Complete inventory of received goods, sort and safely store all items as per standards.

Cook

Cook meals according to individual tickets according to specifications.

Deliver

Deliver food to the that classrooms and removes dirty dishes promptly after meal times.

Develop

Develop and maintain positive relationships with all residents, family,visitors and colleagues.
Develop nutritiously balanced weekly menus.
Develop prototypes with other designers for small features and improvements to our products.

Discover

Discover new skills and talents.

Display

Display a proactive and helpful attitude towards colleagues and customers.

Document

Document portions on food usage chart.

Encourage

Encourage active learning to build self-esteem in an inclusive and respectful environment.

Ensure

Ensure all children's dietary needs are being met.
Ensure all items are prepped for service.
Ensure all product is date accordingly during handling practices.
Ensure all your designs are in line with the design system and design principles.
Ensure and maintain a safe, sanitary and clean work environment.
Ensure efficient time and motion at all times.
Ensure food quality by maintaining high levels of cleanliness, organization and storage.
Ensure High standards of hygiene, health and safety are maintained are all times in the kitchen.
Ensure necessary menu items and ingredients are procured and prepared.
Ensure safety protocols are taken and quality standards are met.
Ensure student workers complete evening cleaning check list.
Ensure that all kitchen dishes are washed after each meal.
Ensure that meals are prepared in a timely manner in accordance with our.
Ensure that the food preparation, quality and presentation meets organizational standards.
Ensure that the staff has the necessary items for lunch distribution.
Ensure the proper handling and storage of food.

Estimates

Estimate expected food consumption and organise preparation.
Estimate the food requirements and cost of the food.

Execute

Execute delicious meals in a timely manner in accordance with site agreement.

Facilitate

Facilitate occasional educational workshops on nutrition and cooking skills.
Facilitate planned and spontaneous experiences.

Follow

Follow all required checklists and cleaning schedules during the shift.
Follow health and safety procedures in the kitchen.
Follow recipes and cooking procedures accurately.
Follow recipes for preparation of condiments and grilled foods.

Get

Get childcare vouchers / tax free childcare.

Greet

Greet customers and make eye contact at the counter.

Handle

Handle tableware carefully to prevent breakage and loss.

Hand

Hand washing stations will be available throughout the kitchen.

Help

Help keep track of kitchen inventory, including food, supplies and equipment.
Help the chef organize food allergy and head count information.
Help to ensure orders are accurate and on time.
Help to ensure that food spoilage and waste are kept to a minimum.
Help to prepare meals based on the menu items ordered.

Interact with

Interact daily with students / clients providing excellent customer service.
Interact thoughtfully and courteously with students, staff and the school community.

Keep

Keep records and accounts of food purchases.

Learn

Learn and follow safe food handling practices.

Lift

Lift dishes to storage location.
Lift / unload / move food and supplies.

Lock up

Lock up all chemicals, takes evening inventory of hazardous items.
Lock up all sharps, takes evening inventory of sharp items.

Log

Log important data related to the safe operations of the kitchen.

Maintain

Maintain accurate paperwork throughout the shift and reconcile drawer as needed.
Maintain adequate levels of clean tableware for dining room and kitchen.
Maintain adequate levels of dish detergents and cleaning supplies.
Maintain a keen awareness of children that have allergies and food restrictions.
Maintain any other certifications as required by state or provincial regulations.
Maintain a positive attitude and be team player within the restaurant.
Maintain cleanliness and basic maintenance of kitchen spaces and equipment.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in food storage areas.
Maintain cleanliness of kitchen.
Maintain familiarity with monthly specials, sales, and in-store promotions.
Maintain food handlers permit as required by state or provincial regulations.
Maintain health codes and safety regulations.
Maintain personal hygiene & uniform cleanliness and requirements throughout shift as per standards.
Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of kitchen and dining areas at all times.

Make

Make sure equipment and physical environment is maintained free of safety or health hazards.

Manage

Manage and assist with inventory.
Manage other employees in the kitchen.
Manage petty cash food fund and follow budget guidelines.

Meet

Meet state or provincial health related requirements.

Monitor

Monitor dishwasher water temperature to ensure sanitary wash cycle.

Most

Most menu items will include a variety of delicious chicken based combinations.

Observe

Observe children's strengths, areas of challenge, emerging skills and interests.

Offer

Offer a creative menu to compete with other local restaurants.
Offer substitute items to children who may be allergic or have other food restrictions.

Operate

Operate and stocks the full service sandwich bar when required, as per contractual commitments.
Operate electrical and mechanical equipment.
Operate one's work station(s) , prepping, blanching and stocking.
Operate various kitchen appliance such as a blender, oven, grill, stand mixer, etc..

Order

Order daily groceries, receive and organize.

Organize

Organize and store ingredients and supplies.

Oversee

Oversee the proper storage and use leftover foods as per HACCP and company approved methods.

Participate in

Participate in classroom set-up including play areas.

Perform

Perform computer management and system administration activities.
Perform kitchen work station opening and closing duties as required.
Perform other duties as assigned by Dining Experience Director, Sous Chef, or Cook(s).

Place

Place clean dishes, utensils, or cooking equipment in storage areas.

Plan

Plan menu, order food and kitchen supplies.

Prepare

Prepare and cook complete Indian dishes and cuisine using special spices and herbs.
Prepare and follow a daily prep chart to indicate inventory and required.
Prepare and package Meals to Go.
Prepare any necessary sauces or accompaniments as per recipe.
Prepare daily take out items according to the schedule.
Prepare food for Ala carte orders.
Prepare food in accordance with menus and food recipes outlined and instructed.
Prepare food needed to meet high-quality food standards.
Prepare foods to the specifications of the Chef.
Prepare ingredients for cooking.
Prepare meals and supplies for delivery.
Prepare mise en place trays for daily development.
Prepare mise en place trays for shoots.
Prepare new recipes according to specific requests of the customers.
Prepare plates / cutlery for all rooms at meal times.
Prepare various salads and sandwiches.
Prepare, wash, and store dishes.

Put

Put away all dishes and utensils in an orderly fashion.

Receive

Receive a discount on your childcare if your child attends one of our nurseries.
Receive and store supplies.
Receive direction from FSM to learn skills related to the role.

Record

Record department shrinkage promptly and accurately.
Record observation to support early identification of a child's individual needs.

Report

Report any concerns, incidents, losses or damages to Sous Chef and Supervisor.
Report any Incidences to the Director of Food Services.
Report safety, sanitary, and fire hazards immediately to supervisor.

Serve

Serve appropriate portions and balanced meals / snacks based on a menu.
Serve menu items to customers.

Set

Set out afternoon snack and appropriate dishes on the trolleys for staff.
Set up and break down kitchen stations.

Sort

Sort and remove trash, placing it in designated pickup areas.

Stock

Stock and refill cleaning supplies.
Stock food service areas (utensils, napkins, cups, etc).
Stock production areas for efficient daily operation.

Supervise

Supervise children to protect their safety and personal well-being at all times while in care.
Supervise the kitchen operations and make sure the quality of the food.

Support

Support a team environment in the classroom and the Centre.
Support breakfast facilitators and dish duty attendants in their supported employment roles.

Take

Take full ownership and accountability of projects and their delivery.
Take out trash and recycling.

Test

Test samples as needed and organize tastings.

Transfer

Transfer supplies or equipment between storage and work areas, by hand or using hand trucks.

Use

Use creativity to formulate new and appetizing products.
Use kitchen equipment safely.
Use safe knife handling practices to prepare various food.

Wash

Wash, cut, and prepare foods designated for cooking.
Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using a dishwashers or by hand.
Wash dishes, pots, pans, and other cooking utensils.

Work

Work among other kitchen wait staff and partner with cooks.
Work fast and efficient and have the ability to multi-task.
Work in a face pace environment and at times under pressure.
Work in a neat and orderly manner.
Work in a safe and responsible manner.
Work with Executive Chef in various home kitchens.
Work with Manager in ordering ingredients and spices as needed.
Work with minimal supervision.
Work with our user researchers to make sure your work meets user needs.
Work with specialized cooking equipment, such as tandoor etc..
Work with the team to effectively manage children's medication schedule and allergies.
Work with various volunteers to prepare sandwiches, soups, and other items as necessary.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Kitchen Assistant:

Food preparation techniques, such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Knowledge of various cooking methods, including baking, grilling, and frying.
Proper handling and storage of different types of food.
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation procedures.
Basic understanding of kitchen equipment and appliances.
Knife handling and basic knife skills.
Ability to follow recipes accurately.
Knowledge of portioning and plating techniques.
Basic baking and pastry skills.
Understanding of food allergies and special dietary requirements.
Knowledge of basic culinary terms and techniques.
Ability to work with kitchen tools and equipment safely.
Familiarity with different types of kitchen utensils and their uses.
Basic knowledge of food presentation and garnishing.
Understanding of menu planning and recipe scaling.
Basic knowledge of inventory management and stock control.
Ability to use kitchen appliances, such as ovens, mixers, and blenders.
Familiarity with different types of cookware and their uses.
Ability to operate dishwashing equipment efficiently.
Knowledge of basic food costing and waste reduction techniques.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Kitchen Assistant:

Strong attention to detail.
Time management and multitasking abilities.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Effective communication and teamwork skills.
Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
Positive and professional attitude.
Stamina and physical endurance for standing and lifting.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities.
Excellent personal hygiene and grooming standards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kitchen Assistants play a crucial role in supporting the smooth functioning of a kitchen. Their responsibilities range from food preparation to cleaning and organizational tasks. Possessing a combination of hard skills, such as culinary techniques and equipment knowledge, and soft skills, such as attention to detail and teamwork, Kitchen Assistants contribute to the efficient operation of the kitchen and the overall success of food service establishments.