Substitute Cafe & Kitchen Assistant; PT

Substitute Cafe & Kitchen Assistant (PT) – Town South Hadley Council

The Town South Hadley Council on Aging is seeking reliable and dedicated candidates to serve as substitute Café & Kitchen Assistants. Under the general direction of the Senior Services Director with oversight from the Food Service Coordinator, this role fills in as needed to assist with preparing and selling daily menu items in the South Hadley Council on Aging Café and to provide general support to all food services.

• Fill in as a substitute for regular staff during planned or unplanned absences.
• Respond to operational needs and work during the Council on Aging’s café and kitchen hours to ensure seamless food service operations.
• Handle retail food transactions at the Council on Aging Café, including greeting and assisting customers, register operations, and cash handling for sales.
• Assist with basic food preparation for kitchen daily meals and events, and café retail food sales.
• Provide guidance and work alongside volunteers assisting in the café and kitchen.
• Monitor and report inventory levels, food stock, and supplies to the Food Service Coordinator.
• Assist with setup of dining tables, work surfaces, and equipment for the Congregate/Community dining program.
• Support the Food Service Coordinator with all other duties, including food preparation and serving the Congregate/Community program Monday through Friday.
• Help maintain a professional, inclusive, and accommodating environment in support of the goals, philosophy, and mission of the South Hadley Council on Aging and Human Services Department.
• Follow regulations, procedures, and health and safety practices relevant to the operational needs of the Council on Aging Café and Kitchen.

• High School Diploma or equivalent; preference for formal culinary training or education.
• At least one year of related experience in food services, preparation, or retail sales.
• Ability to become Serv Safe and Allergen Certified (or comparable) if necessary.
• Basic cooking skills and ability to prepare simple food items.
• Knowledge of sanitary and hygienic precautions common in the food service trade.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, and to prioritize and multi‑task.
• Strong basic math skills and high ethical standards in ensuring accurate cash transactions.
• Ability to push, pull, and lift up to 30 pounds; to stand for long periods.
• Strong commitment to public service and older adults, and to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

This is a substitute (as needed), variable‑hour/schedule position with no minimum guaranteed hours. The position is non‑benefited, with pay at approximately $16 per hour, depending on qualifications. Work opportunities are based on need and typically replicate 4‑hour shifts of current staff, aligning with the Senior Center’s food service hours, primarily covering the daily congregate meals program (Monday‑Friday, 10:00 AM‑1:00 PM). Continued employment is contingent on operational needs and candidate availability and responsiveness to work offers.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and kept on file throughout the year; as needs arise, the Town will review the applicant pool, screen candidates, and contact qualified individuals selected for an interview.