Chef & Kitchen Manager

OUR MISSION & VISION. With a vision of a more resilient, interconnected, and compassionate community, Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring’s mission is to nourish our community. We do this through the preparation and delivery of healthy, delicious meals to our homebound neighbors and other programs that support our community.

OUR CULTURE. In this workplace, we are focused on and guided by our mission and our vision. We are honest, kind, respectful, and encouraging; we communicate openly and directly. There is space for curiosity and innovation. We express a generosity of spirit, understanding that everyone makes mistakes, and we learn from our own. We work hard, we pitch in where needed, and we trust that others are working hard, too. Our small, friendly team enjoys working together and supporting one another.

OUR ORGANIZATION & TEAM. Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TPSS) is in an exciting time of growth and expansion. We are a small, lively group of dedicated nonprofit professionals, and we work closely to ensure operations run smoothly. As a direct service organization, we work hard, and our work is imbued with shared camaraderie.

THE POSITION. We seek a Chef who is passionate about great and healthy food; is excited to work at a nonprofit and serve people in need; enjoys the creative opportunity of designing your own flavorful recipes; and contributes intentionally to a positive, nurturing culture and environment.

As Chef, you will plan and prepare healthy, delicious hot meals for our homebound clients. You create recipes that incorporate purchased and donated products for two hot entrees (one with a meat protein and the other a vegetarian option) and two hot sides each day. You coordinate daily kitchen operations, working cooperatively with other kitchen staff and volunteers. You manage and maintain kitchen equipment, clean dishes and remove trash as needed, and maintain accounts and relationships with external vendors to manage all aspects of the kitchen.

You are able to work independently in menu design and administrative tasks, in partnership with the Executive Director (ED), collaboratively with the Deli Manager and the Deli Coordinator, and kindly with kitchen volunteers. You are excited about working at a nonprofit and are committed to our mission of delivering delicious meals to our homebound neighbors. You take pride in being consistent in your work, you see how pieces and process flows fit together, and you communicate well to support a smooth-running operation. You take a leadership role in building and sustaining a strong culture of cheerfulness, friendliness, comradery, and appreciation for others and you actively support and build organizational culture.

The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, approximately 8am-3:30pm and reports to the ED.

HIRING POLICY. Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring celebrates, supports, and thrives on diversity for the benefit of our staff, clients, and community. We welcome and encourage differences among our people and we are an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

·   Value and support the mission of Meals on Wheels.

·   Ability to work closely as a team with other staff and volunteers, as well as independently.

·   Deal tactfully with colleagues and volunteers. Maintain a courteous, helpful manner and actively build up and support colleagues.

·   Establish and maintain an efficient, orderly kitchen. Prioritize concurrent demands to meet tight time deadlines.

·   Must be licensed by Montgomery County, MD as a food safety manager (training covered by Meals on Wheels TPSS).

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

·   High school graduate or equivalent required; college degree preferred.

·   Professional kitchen experience required, preferably in group meal preparation or equivalent combination of education and experience; nonprofit experience working with volunteers preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the Chef must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

OPPORTUNITY. This position is an opportunity to combine your passion for food and for making a difference in the community, to enjoy a positive welcoming culture, and to demonstrate your creative cooking skills during daytime hours rather than nights and weekends.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE. The position is salaried commensurate with experience with growth potential, and includes: generous paid leave (3 weeks’