Position Summary

The Food Services Associate at our shelter plays a crucial role in providing nutritious meals and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment. This position involves collaboration with volunteers, handling food donations, adhering to SERV Safe standards and working closely with the VA dietitian to ensure the well-being of our residents.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with established menus, dietary guidelines, and ServSafe standards
• Ensure the timely and efficient delivery of meals to residents
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, organized and safe work area
• Adhere to proper food safety and hygiene practices in accordance with ServSafe regulations
• Receive and organize food donations in collaboration with the shelter's donation coordinator
• Keep accurate records of donated items and communicate needs to relevant staff
• Work closely with volunteer groups involved in kitchen activities.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers, ensuring they follow established protocols.
• Interact with residents, staff, volunteers, and donors in a professional and respectful manner.
• Uphold the values and mission of the shelter in all interactions.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff, shelter management, and volunteers to ensure smooth operations
• Report any issues or concerns promptly to the kitchen supervisor
• Collaborate with the VA dietitian to implement dietary plans for residents with specific health needs
• Ensure that meals align with the dietary requirements outlined by the VA dietitian

Other Job Responsibilities

• Actively participates in quality improvement activities of the program/agency
• Maintain high standards of ethical and professional conduct in terms of privacy of client information and adherence to confidentiality policies & upholds the service philosophy
• Comply with policies and procedures governing the program and agency and consults with appropriate administrative staff regarding issues posing potential risk
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team, including volunteers, staff, and external partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the mission of the agency

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities*

• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds
• Familiarity with commercial kitchen operation and equipment
• Familiarity with safety and sanitation regulations
• Possession of a valid ServSafe certification or a willingness to obtain one within the first month of employment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with various stakeholders
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and a dynamic work environment.

*NOTE: The individual must possess these skills and abilities or, using some other combination of skills and abilities, be able to explain and/or demonstrate that he/she can perform the essential responsibilities of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Qualifications Standards

• • High School diploma or GED
  • Previous experience in hospitality, preferably in a shelter or similar environment
  • Some experience wo