The Head Start Kitchen Assistant is responsible for assisting kitchen operations for the Samish Head Start and Elders Program. The Head Start Kitchen Assistant will help operate the food service programs in accordance with state licensing regulations, and in compliance with grant(s) requirements. Although this position is not directly responsible for leading menu planning or activity implementation, the full support of program values and activities is expected, and input regarding planning and center operations is encouraged. The Head Start Kitchen Assistant may also provide occasional support for classroom operations. 

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)

1. Assists with daily meal preparation and kitchen duties for classrooms and elders, as directed by the Food Services Manager and the Head Start Center Manager. Routine duties will include: dishwashing, facility prep and cleaning, delivery driving, shopping, receiving freight, food preparation and meal service.
2. Maintains highest standards for sanitation and cleanliness and grant requirements, as relevant to position, and supports the center in striving for full compliance each day.
3. Maintains a general understanding of state licensing regulations and grant requirements, as relevant to the position, and supports the center in striving for full compliance each day.
4. Fosters and maintains relationships with Elders participants, Head Start children and families, and community members through phone calls, support of nutrition education activities, and participation in family engagement events and elders social gatherings.
5. Maintains confidentiality for all children, families, elders and staff. Exercises appropriate discretion in information sharing with other staff as it applies to job responsibilities on a need-to-know basis.
6. Attends trainings as relevant to staff development plans. Maintains current certifications for First Aid, CPR, Food Handler’s Permit, and health checks.
7. Complies with CPS mandated reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect.
8. May provide occasional breaks for staff as requested and scheduled by the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Director.
9. Provides support on occasions such as bus monitoring.
10. Other duties as assigned.

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Must possess strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, and be comfortable working in team environments.
3. Able to carry forty pounds without difficulty, sit in a child-sized chair, move quickly from multiple positions and levels.
4. Must obtain Food Handler’s Permit, First Aid, and CPR certifications within 30 days of hire.
5. Must have initial TB test, and be free from communicable disease.
6. Must pass state, federal, and Department of Early Learning fingerprinting and background checks.

 **Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs; able to stand (80% of time), sit (20% of time), as well as frequently stoop, squat, lift, kneel, bend, reach, and run (30% of time); possess manual dexterity sufficient to use hand writing materials, computers, and office equipment to prepare reports and documentation; be physically able to move through classrooms, ride along and load/unload from a school bus; Mental/Visual Demands: Constant mental, visual, and audio supervision of children and attention may be required. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: mainly indoors with heat and some air conditioning. Must be able to move around for the majority of shift. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Frequent use of knives. Possibility of exposure to corrosive chemicals used for cleaning. Possibility of exposure to blood and bodily fluids; possibility of exposure to communicable diseases. Protective clothing or equipment may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, etc.)

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry. Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY: This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members. The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual. Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter. Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring. BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position. The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.