Community Kitchen Specialist

About Community Action House
Since its founding in 1969, Community Action House has been the focal point of community efforts to provide critical support and pathways out of poverty for our neighbors in need. Our community-powered work takes a client-centric approach that meets people wherever they are at and offers services that enhance ownership and agency. Our work is organized in three interconnected areas: Food Access, Resource Navigation, and Financial Wellness. Welcome, excellence, and collaboration are some of our core values. Learn more at www.communityactionhouse.org.
In October 2021, we launched our new ‘Food Club & Opportunity Hub’ to expand efficient, impactful healthy food assistance with the on-site integration of other pathway programs. More recently, we announced a partnership with Dwelling Place to help address the affordable housing crisis here in Holland. In July 2023, we publicly launched our expansion of Lakeshore Food Rescue (www.lakeshorefoodrescue.org).
Organizational budget: $9M-10M (inclusive of $5M in-kind support)Agency Size: 60-70 staff and 2,300+ annual volunteers
Our ValuesWho we are. Who we aspire to be. What drives us. What unites us. Learn more, here!- Radically Welcoming- Guest-Centered- Lead with Kindness- Curiosity-Driven- Always Improving- Collaborative by Design- Contagious Commitment- One Team
Position DetailsPosition Type: Full-time, Regular, 30 - 36 hours/weekOvertime Status: Non-ExemptReports To: Head Chef and Manager, Community KitchenDirect Reports: noneDepartment: Community KitchenPrimary Location: Community KitchenCompensation & Benefits: $17.50 - $19.40 hourly, eligible for full time benefits
SummaryThe Community Kitchen Specialist is responsible for assisting the Head Chef, Kitchen Associate and team of volunteers in carrying out the daily operations of the Community Kitchen. The Community Kitchen Specialist is accountable for smooth program operations and guest interactions, as well as coordinating and managing our team of volunteers. This position supports the organization by working closely with other Action House program teams, ensuring that all of our guests are treated with dignity, respect and care.

Responsibilities & Essential Duties

• Ensure daily food preparation, involving adherence to food standards and safety.
• Assist with structure and flow of the Kitchen.
• Assist with setting up and improving processes and checklist procedures of the Kitchen.
• Direct, support and train our team of volunteers.
• Work closely alongside volunteers during their shifts as they carry out various tasks, providing support and instruction.
• Maintain Kitchen organization, supply ordering and inventory management.
• Foster a positive Community Kitchen volunteer and guest experience.
• Intentionally foster a sense of community among guests and volunteers.
• Continuously uphold boundaries and on-site rules that respect all participants, and work to mitigate and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

• General Direction: Receives broad guidance and direction and has some autonomy in decision-making and flexibility in determining how to achieve goals. Supervisor provides support and resources as needed but may not be directly involved in day-to-day decision-making or task assignments.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Informal Supervisor: Does not have formal people leading (supervisory) responsibilities. May influence others based on their expertise or relationships; lead projects with other teammates; and/or provide guidance or mentoring to other colleagues.

Education & Experience

• 2+ years of relevant experience required 
• Some college required. Bachelor's Degree preferred.; or in place of a degree, equivalent years of experience
• Culinary degree, Serve Safe certification or other food safety certification, preferred
• Basic conversational Spanish proficiency desired

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for large groups in a commercial kitchen, preferred.
• Experience and confidence in handling interactions with volunteers, guests, and community members with sensitivity, preferred.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for our mission and a commitment to upholding our team’s values: Radically Welcoming, Guest-Centered, Lead with Kindness, Cur