General Summary:This position is responsible for maintaining the kitchen so that it can operate efficiently. This position will include the preparation and cooking of food ingredients, setup of food stations, serving of meals and keeping a clean and orderly kitchen. All employees within this department will be required to learn all aspects of the kitchen position. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Food Preparation and Cooking
- Prepare and cook meals according to established recipes and dietary guidelines for Recovery Housing residents and clients in 24/7 programming.
- Assist in planning and executing special dietary needs or adjustments as required.
- Prepare food from recipes supplied in the Kitchen Coordinator's office, ensuring portion and nutritional standards are met.
- Perform set-up work for the next shift, including washing, cutting produce, combining ingredients in recipes, and cleaning meat and fish as needed.
- Check that orders contain the correct type and amount of side dishes before final preparation and delivery.
Food Transport and Delivery
- Safely transport prepared meals to designated Zepf locations, ensuring proper handling and temperature control.
- Maintain accurate records of food deliveries, including meal counts, and ensure that all prepared foods are date-marked, initialed, and described in accordance with Health Department regulations.
- Ensure timely and efficient food delivery to clients in both Recovery Housing and 24/7 programs.
Kitchen Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean and sanitize food preparation areas to establish and maintain proper hygiene.
- Wash and store all cooking appliances, utensils, cutting boards, and dishes, ensuring that all kitchen equipment is maintained in good working condition.
- Sweep and mop kitchen floors and wipe down walls regularly to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
- Ensure that kitchen cleaning routines are consistently followed to meet Health Department Food Safety Regulations.
- Open and close the kitchen after breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals according to the established closing procedures, ensuring all tasks are completed for the next shift.
Compliance and Safety
- Adhere to all Health Department Food Safety Regulations and Serve Safe guidelines to ensure a safe and compliant kitchen environment.
- Receive, label, and store deliveries of produce and other items in an organized manner, maintaining proper food safety practices.
- Monitor food storage and ensure that prepared foods are properly labeled, stored, and tracked according to regulations.
- Obtain and maintain Serve Safe certification within 90 days of hire.
Record Keeping and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of inventories, resident meals served, meal counts, and daily logs as part of the kitchen's operational documentation.
- Ensure proper reporting and record-keeping for both food inventory and meal service, adhering to organizational and regulatory standards.
Collaboration and Flexibility
- Work a part-time schedule of 20-24 hours per week, including every other weekend, and adapt to any schedule changes or additional needs.
- Collaborate effectively with the kitchen team and other Zepf Center staff to ensure smooth kitchen operations and client satisfaction.
- Perform additional duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Specific/Individual Competencies:Food Safety and Sanitation
- Adheres to Health Department Food Safety Regulations.
- Example: Labels and stores food properly for safety and compliance.
- Maintains clean food preparation areas and equipment.
- Example: Sanitizes surfaces and utensils after each use.
- Follows safe food handling and storage procedures.
- Example: Monitors food temperatures and dates for freshness.
Culinary Preparation and Cooking
- Prepares meals according to recipes and dietary needs.
- Example: Ensures meals meet nutritional and portion standards.
- Sets up the kitchen for the next shift.
- Example: Preps produce and ingredients for upcoming meals.
- Verifies correct portions and side dishes before serving.
- Example: Double-checks orders to ensure accuracy.
Kitchen Operations and Maintenance
- Keeps kitchen clean and organized for smooth operations.
- Example: Sweeps floors and wipes down surfaces regularly.
- Follows proper kitchen opening and closing procedures.
- Example: Secures kitchen, cleans equipment, and checks inventory.
- Manages food inventory and storage efficiently.
- Example: Organizes deliveries and ensures proper labeling.
Client and Team Collaboration
- Works well with kitchen staff and team members.
- Example: Collaborates to ensure meal prep and delivery runs smoothly.
- Demonstrates flexibility in performing various tasks.
- Example: Shifts between cooking, cleaning, and assisting with classes.
- Supports high-quality service for clients.
- Example: Helps ensure meals are delivered on time and meet client needs.
Organizational Competencies:Compliance and Quality Control
- Ensures adherence to all regulatory requirements, including food safety standards and health department guidelines.
- Maintains high standards of cleanliness, food preparation, and storage in compliance with regulations.
Operational Efficiency
- Demonstrates the ability to manage time effectively, prioritizing tasks to maintain kitchen flow and meet meal delivery schedules.
- Optimizes kitchen operations, ensuring resources are used efficiently without compromising quality.
Customer Service
- Provides excellent service to clients by ensuring meals are delivered on time and meet dietary needs.
- Addresses client concerns or requests promptly, ensuring a positive experience.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SORequirementsPosition Requirements and Qualifications: Position Qualifications
- Kitchen experience preferred but not required.
- Willingness to work on an as needed basis in addition to regularly scheduled hours.
- Required: Valid driver's license and ability to be insured under the company's vehicle policy.
- Obtain Serve Safe certification within 1 month of hire.
- Exceptional Attendance
Environment and Physical Requirements Physical Demands:
- Must be able to stand for the entire work shift.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the shift.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and stooping as part of food preparation and cleaning tasks.
- Ability to operate kitchen equipment, such as ovens, stoves, and dishwashers, safely and efficiently.
Work Environment:
- Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment, which may include exposure to heat, noise, and the handling of food and cleaning chemicals.
- Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Occasional exposure to cold temperatures in refrigeration or freezer areas.
- It is expected and essential for all employees to meet their regular work schedule which may include rotation of shifts, weekends, and holidays.
**If a current resident, must be able to maintain expectations of living within the recovery house and positively mentor and lead others in the Recovery House**Those eligible to drive company vehicles must have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage as defined by the agency commercial insurance carrier. Those who drive personal vehicles in the course of business must be able to provide proof of insurance.