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Food Services Assistant

Breakthrough

Job Location:

Chicago, IL - USA

Hourly Salary: $ 19 - 20

Posted: 22 August 2026 (19 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 19 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Job Title: Food Service Assistant
FLSA Code: Non- Exempt part-time (hourly)
Reports to: Director Food Services
Hours:Up to 28 hours/week
Shift: Monday Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Program Area: Food Services; Adult Service Network (ASN)
Location: Adult Center

Womens Center 3330 W. Carroll Ave Chicago IL 60624
Mens Center 402 N. St. Louis Ave Chicago IL 60624

POSITION SUMMARY
The Food Service Assistant cooks and provides meals in a shelter environment to guests who are currently homeless. The Food Service Assistant works with the Director and other Food Service Assistants to develop menus dependent upon available ingredients prepare nutritious meals and ensure a clean and sanitary kitchen. The position requires the ability to be pleasant patient compassionate and consistent with guests volunteers and colleagues.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS

Plan and prepare meals by developing new or analyzing existing recipes and ordering ingredients as necessary.
Cook assemble and serve meals according to safe food handling procedures and verify doneness and taste of all prepared foods.
Maintain a clean andsanitary kitchen and pantry area by adhering to state and local sanitation requirements and codes.
Handle receiving and food storage according to food safety regulations including rotation of products in inventory.
Monitor inventory and follow appropriate guidelines for replenishment.
Maintain supplies inventory by checking stock anticipating needs and placing and expediting orders. Must verify all receipts and provide accurate record keeping.
Timely reporting of maintenance issues with facility equipment such as ovens refrigerator sinks etc.
Train and orientate volunteers to create a successful volunteer experience.
Complete required documentation and record keeping using Breakthroughs data tracking and volunteer management systems.
Regular reliable and non-disruptive attendance and the ability to create and maintain collaborative harmonious working relationships with others.
Completes any other related tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Demonstrated Values

Independently follows agency policy and procedures
Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
Identifies and resolves difficult and complex issues effectively
Project a professional demeanor appearance and image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
Demonstrate exceptional customer service in all interactions
Works effectively with diverse staff communities and population served
Maintain a high degree of sensitivity tact and diplomacy during stressful situations.
A passion for the mission of Breakthrough

QUALIFICATIONS

High School diploma or equivalent; some college coursework preferred.
Two years of related cooking experience.
Be at least 21 years old.
Have Food & Safety Sanitation license or obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Detail-oriented with excellent administrative and organizational skills
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Hospitality mindset: welcoming relational adaptable.

Required Knowledge Skills And Abilities

Must have a basic knowledge of kitchen organization and utensil care.
Ability to work independently and as a part of a collaborative team
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Must have the ability to use initiative discretion and independent judgment in making decisions.
Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills professionalism and problem-solving ability.
Ability to display a warm supportive attitude toward all people.
Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow through and be comfortable working in a changing environment.
Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through their relationship and guidance.
Must possess an accurate and informed understanding of cultural and urban realities especially related to families poverty and community development.
Outstanding attitude willingness to learn and grow and capacity to excel in our collaborative environment.

SUPERVISION

Direction received from the Director Food Services
Does not supervise any employees

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects tools or controls reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend stoop pull lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job the employee will work in an office located in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.

Equipment Used
The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone computer calculator copier overhead projector paper shredder paper cutter and filing systems.

Safety Requirements
Prior to the first day of work must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance

BENEFITS

Sick leave - Part-time employees in this position are eligible for 1 hour of sick pay for every 35 hours worked in a pay period. This leave can be used for medical and safety reasons.
Paid leave -Part-time employees in this position are eligible for 1 hour of paid pay for every 35 hours worked in a pay period. This leave can be used for any reason.

COMPENSATION
The actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills experience education and internal equity.
$19-$20/hour

Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race color sex national origin age disability marital status veteran status political affiliation sexual orientation or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process please contact us at The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Required Experience:

Junior IC

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