JOB TITLE

Cook

REPORTS TO

Program Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Non-Exempt

TIME COMMITMENT

Part-Time (20 hours/week)

STARTING SALARY

: $24.00 per hour

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Program Manager the Cook prepares and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily at Ursula Sherman Village (USV) in Berkeley. Ursula Sherman Village is a shelter and transitional housing site that serves up to 98 individuals and families. The Cook is responsible for storing, labeling, preparing, and serving food & drinks in accordance with standard printed menus, special diets, applicable health standards, and BOSS policies. This role supports a welcoming, community-oriented environment by ensuring nutritious, well-prepared meals to program participants.

Essential Responsibilities:

Plan, prepare, and serve three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in accordance with approved menus and dietary guidelines. Develop and adjust menus as needed to accommodate client preferences, special dietary needs, and available inventory. Ensure all food is properly stored, labeled, and rotated to maintain freshness and comply with food safety standards. Adhere to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, including safe food handling, proper equipment use, and routine kitchen cleaning. Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and dining area, ensuring compliance with local health codes and inspection requirements. Monitor food and supply inventory; notify supervisor or order supplies as needed to ensure adequate stock. Record and report dietary restrictions, allergies, and special meal requests, ensuring compliance with individual needs. Serve meals in a respectful, customer-service-oriented manner, maintaining a positive and professional attitude toward residents, staff, and volunteers. Demonstrate emotional sensitivity and professionalism when interacting with individuals experiencing homelessness, trauma, or crisis. Work collaboratively with staff to support a safe, inclusive, and community-focused environment in the shelter. Assist with training or supervising volunteers in meal service and food preparation, as needed. Perform additional related duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or GED; culinary training or coursework is a plus Minimum 1-2 years of experience in food preparation and meal service; preferably in a residential facility, homeless shelter, community kitchen, or similar environment ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification preferred Experience following standardized menus, dietary restrictions, and food safety regulations Good understanding of diversity issues and ability to work cooperatively and respectfully with a diverse team of co-workers and a diverse client population. Flexibility and openness to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen Desire and ability to work with a racially and ethnically diverse clientele that is facing multiple challenges related to disabilities and homelessness.

Preferred Skills:

Access to a reliable vehicle, insurance for the previously stated vehicle, and a current valid CA driver's license & good driving record. Certification in CPR/First Aid.

Ability to:

Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with participants, staff, and industry partners Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing Work independently with minimum supervision; monitor, track and compile statistical information Give and follow written and oral instructions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, memos, business correspondence, and all other mental health-related documents. Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate correspondence. Effective oral and written communication skills.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

College-level mathematical skills are required.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Demonstrated skill with problem-solving techniques.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by staff members to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, move up and down stairways, talk and hear, and drive to and from community appointments. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to ten pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.

MENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires the individual to work with minimal supervision. Guidance is available as necessary, however, the individual is expected to function autonomously and make individual decisions when appropriate. The position does require the ability to interact with a variety of individuals and the ability to meet deadlines and time pressure based on the volume of work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise and/or level of distractions in the work environment is usually moderate.

CONCLUSION I

invite you to be part of a vibrant and talented team that is committed to promoting health and self-sufficiency, fighting for equity, and celebrating diversity and inclusion! BOSS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. BOSS does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and individuals with lived experience are highly encouraged to apply!

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid sick time Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

In person