The Kitchen Monitor Volunteer helps maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming kitchen and refreshment area for individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers prepare and replenish coffee, beverages, and snacks, monitor kitchen and dining areas, maintain sanitation standards, and provide friendly, respectful assistance to day center participants.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare and serve coffee, tea, cold beverages, and light snacks according to agency guidelines.
- Monitor beverage and snack stations throughout operating hours and replenish supplies as needed.
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen counters, coffee stations, refrigerators, microwaves, tables, and other common areas.
- Wash dishes, coffee pots, utensils, and food preparation equipment.
- Restock coffee, cups, condiments, napkins, snacks, and other kitchen supplies.
- Monitor inventory and notify staff when supplies are running low.
- Practice proper food handling, sanitation, and personal hygiene procedures.
- Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing donated food and beverage items.
- Welcome participants and provide courteous, respectful customer service.
- Monitor the kitchen and snack area to promote a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment.
- Report maintenance, safety, or sanitation concerns to staff promptly.
- Enforce facility policies and procedures while treating all participants with professionalism and respect.
- Assist in maintaining a welcoming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment.
- De-escalate conflicts and notify supervisory staff when assistance is needed
- Perform other volunteer duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 18 years old (or younger with parental consent and staff approval).
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work scheduled volunteer shifts.
- Ability to work respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Previous food service, hospitality, or customer service experience is encouraged.
- Food Handler Certification is preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Commitment to serving individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect.
- Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
- Strong organizational and customer service skills.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to bend, reach, clean, and restock shelves and cabinets.
- Ability to work safely around hot beverages, kitchen equipment, and cleaning products.
