Chef Position Available In Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut

Chef South Park Inn, Inc. Hartford, CT Job Details Full-time From $25 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications ServSafe Harm reduction Cooking Mid-level Administrative experience Driver’s License Bachelor’s degree Meal preparation Food service Kitchen management Budgeting 1 year Leadership Financial acumen 2 years Communication skills Full Job Description South Park Inn (SPI) is seeking a full-time Chef. The Chef is a front-facing member of the management team who assumes primary responsibility for all kitchen and volume food ordering, storage, and meal preparation. The Chef carefully documents all orders and assumes menu preparation. They diligently oversee the implementation of food safety protocols and procedures in compliance with public health and safety standards, civil rights, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. They supervise the Assistant Cook and work closely with program staff and management to ensure effective cross-communication in the service of program guests. The Chef also co-manages a robust and active corps of volunteers. Volunteer management and administration will account for at least 20% of the work week. The ideal applicant has excellent people skills, is exceptionally organized, has strong administrative skills, and is passionate about serving others, especially those seeking to aid people experiencing homelessness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Cooking & Kitchen Management

• Oversees, plans, and prepares nutritious meals for 105 people three times a day.
• The Chef specifically plans for and cooks lunch Monday – Friday.
• The Chef preps breakfast (served by third shift staff) and plans dinners and meals for the weekend so that other staff can prepare/cook and serve the meals when the Chef is not on shift.
• Oversees health inspections of commercial kitchen facilities and other food service-related site visits by funders and regulatory agencies. Promptly addresses any areas identified for corrective action or technical assistance.
• Manages and leads by example on food safety requirements, i.e. temperatures and cleanliness.
• Optimize nutritional value of meals served; meet guests’ cultural, religious, and dietary preferences; and engage clients in menu development; strategize for minimal food waste.
• Supervises and evaluates the Assistant Cook. Provides coaching, training, technical assistance, and performance management as needed.
• Positively collaborates with Assistant Cook, program staff, and volunteer meal groups to ensure high food safety and meal service standards.
• Monitors meals and models professionalism and positive, cooperative, client-centered meal service.
• Maintains open and effective communication with other South Park Inn staff.
• Informs program staff of any concerns raised by meal service observation (e.g., disordered eating, food or supplies theft) to ensure effective intervention and guest support.
• Assures that meal distribution procedures meet civil rights and ADA accommodations requirements. Food Ordering & Planning
• Maintains organized and detailed records of meals served, weekly menus, and other metrics or documentation required.
• Meets requirements of funding sources as applicable (CT Foodshare) with respect to allowable expenses, purchase documentation, portions and nutritional requirements, etc.
• Accepts donated food and puts it to good use; racks all accepted food donations.
• Monitors kitchen inventories and is responsible for ordering and re-stocking any needed food or supplies.
• Collaboration with the Director of Operations re: budget, reporting orders, etc.
• Attends food and kitchen/meal supplies deliveries to ensure that goods received reflect order specifications and meet quality standards.
• Liaises with relevant vendors, including CT Foodshare, to maintain positive working relationship.
• Maintains positive working relationship with Health Department and other community stakeholders.
• Monitors meals and models professionalism and positive, cooperative, client-centered meal service.
• Completes other assignments and tasks as needed and as directed by supervisor.
• Advocates for the mission of the organization and upholds agency values. Volunteer Administration
• Positively collaborates with volunteer meal groups to ensure high food safety and meal service standards.
• Co-manages a dinner meal Calendar with SPI’s Development and Volunteer Manager.
• Coaches staff and volunteers in applying principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care to meal distribution.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• ServSafe certification is required prior to or within two weeks of hire.
• Prior experience with volume food ordering and meal preparation required, preferably within a shelter environment or residential program.
• Availability and willingness to work weekends and to assist other programs as needed (a few times per year).
• Collaborative, facilitative approach to working with guests and community partners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure as part of a team.
• Familiarity with relevant technology (laptop, cell, Outlook email, and Google Calendar)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong work ethic
• A current CT driver’s license

Preferred:

• Proven experience in an executive chef or kitchen management role
• In-depth knowledge of food and beverage industry trends and best practices
• Bachelor’s degree, formal training/certification, or equivalent experience in food service
• Financial acumen and budget management skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Have a good attitude and participate as a member of the team

Ideal:

• Cultural competency and facility working with populations from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiar with principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care to meal distribution.
• Familiarity with homelessness and related issues, including addictions, mental health/deinstitutionalization, trauma, domestic violence, and/or poverty.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Shift:

Day shift Morning shift

Work Location:

In person