Job Description

SOUTH PARK INN

WARMING CENTER

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:

Warming Center Kitchen Assistant

Location:

75 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106 and Warming Center (TBD)

Status:

Part-Time

Schedule:

TBD

Pay Scale:

$20.00/ hour

Reports to:

Program Manager

Scope & Purpose of Position:

The Kitchen Assistant assists the Chef in all aspects of kitchen and volume food ordering, storage, cleaning and meal preparation and service for the City of Hartford's Warming center operated by South Park Inn. He or she complies with food safety protocols and procedures in compliance with public health and safety standards, civil rights, Connecticut Foodshare, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Kitchen Assistant also assists with the documentation of food ordering, menu preparation, and meal service. She or he works with program staff, management, volunteers, and guests to ensure a healthy, safe, and nutritious dining experience at each meal.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists with meal preparation and service for City of Hartford's Warming center operated by South Park Inn. Follows reasonable direction from the Program Manager and coordinates with the Chef, program staff and volunteer meal groups to ensure high standards of food safety and meal service.

Assists with food inventory, preparation, and storage, using donated food creatively. As applicable, maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding source requirements concerning allowable expenses, purchase documentation, portions, nutritional requirements, etc.

Provide modeling, protocol demonstrations, and constructive feedback to volunteers and program staff participating in meal distribution as needed.

Customer service skills, including treating our homeless guests, volunteers, and additional staff with kindness, respect, and dignity.

Participates in health inspection of commercial kitchen facilities and other food service-related site visits by funders and regulatory agencies at the direction of the Chef. Promptly addresses any areas identified for corrective action or technical assistance.

Assists in the preparation and maintenance of organized and detailed records of meals served, weekly menus, food temperature logs, and fridge & freezer temperature logs.

Promptly reports understocked food or supplies to the Chef for ordering and re-stocking. Assists with grocery runs and refrigerator and pantry organization and cleaning as needed.

Assists with food and kitchen/meal supplies deliveries and with putting items into storage after delivery in a First In, First Out method. Professionally represents South Park Inn in the presence of relevant vendors to help maintain positive working relationships.

Maintains positive working relationships with the Health Department and other community stakeholders.

Implements strategies under the direction of the Chef to minimize food waste; optimize the nutritional value of meals served; meet guests' cultural, religious, and dietary preferences; and engage clients in menu development.

Participates in a meal distribution plan at the direction of the Program Manager that meets civil rights and ADA accommodations requirements.

Monitors meals and models professionalism and positive, cooperative, client-centered meal service. Delivers services and assists other staff and volunteers in applying harm reduction principles and trauma-informed care to meal distribution.

Maintains open and effective communication with other South Park Inn staff to ensure that meal service is integrated with overall program services. Informs Chef and Direct Care staff of any concerns raised by meal service observation (e.g., disordered eating, parenting concerns, food or supplies theft) to ensure effective intervention and guest support.

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area, including washing dishes, utensils, and cooking equipment.

Collaborate with team members to ensure timely service during peak hours.

Transports meals to Warming Center (location TBD).

Completes other assignments and tasks as needed and as directed by supervisor, the Program Manager.

Advocates for the mission of the organization and upholds agency values.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

ServSafe certification is required prior to or within two weeks of hire

Prior experience with meal preparation required

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 a kitchen management role

In-depth knowledge of food and beverage industry trends and best practices

Formal training/certification, or equivalent experience in food service

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

ACTIVITY

AMOUNT OF TIME

Up to 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Climb or balance

X

Lift up to 20 pounds

X

Lift up to 50 pounds

X

Sit

X

Stand

X

Use hands

X

Use sight/vision

X

Walk, bend, kneel

X

The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This job description is subject to change as the employer's needs and the position's requirements change.

Does this job have supervisory responsibilities: __ Yes _ No

Employment Statement:

Funding for programs and services vary within nonprofit organizations, which can affect the continuation of staff positions. Every effort is made to continue funding for programs. However, a change in funding could affect your position. There is also no guarantee of continued employment for the duration of a grant.

Acknowledgement:

I have read and understand the job description set forth above. I agree to carry out the responsibilities associated with the position.

Job Types: Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16 - 32 per week

Ability to Commute:

Hartford, CT 06106 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:

Hartford, CT 06106: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person