Cook

POSITION: Cook

LOCATION: BRC, 2011 Little Orchard Street, San Jose, Ca

SUPERVISOR: Kitchen and Food Services Manager

TYPE: Full Time, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $27.50-29.00/Hourly

ABOUT HOMEFIRST

Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.

OUR VALUES

• Kindness: We act with empathy toward others.
• Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.
• Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Boccardo Reception Center (BRC) is the largest homeless shelter and service facility in Santa Clara County, with a capacity of up to 250 homeless persons. The BRC is a multi-service facility that offers numerous programs and services, including year-round emergency shelter, a medical clinic, public benefits enrollment and advocacy, job search and retention assistance, group workshops and additional resources, information and referral to community partners, housing search and financial assistance, as well as free restroom, shower, and laundry facilities. The BRC is open and staffed seven days per week, 24 hours per day.

The Cook is responsible for cooking and preparing food according to recipes and production guidelines while adhering to food safety, food handling, and sanitation procedures. The Cook should safely handle knives and equipment such as grills, fryers, ovens, broilers, etc. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by location based on HomeFirst requirements and business needs.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This role reports to the Kitchen & Food Services Manager.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish menus with guidance from the Food Services Supervisor

Prepare meals according to menus and food availability

Supervise interns, volunteers and community volunteer groups in proper preparation and serving of meals

Operates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.

Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meat, vegetables, and other foods

Maintain cleanliness and sanitary operation of kitchen, serving and storage areas

Assure that food is prepared, served and stored in a safe, sanitary manner and in accordance with agency policies and procedures

Maintain and count food service inventory

Rotate food in walk-in refrigerators and freezer to minimize waste and spoilage (FIFO)

Follow all specifications and to properly set up hot and cold line stations

Perform all other tasks, including cross-training as directed

Notify Food Services Supervisor of any supply, equipment needs or maintenance issues

Attend and participate in food service meetings

Contribute to improving the kitchen and food services

Maintain excellent customer service and positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.

Immediately report all suspicious occurrences and hazardous conditions

Other duties as assigned

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge:

Commitment to the agency and its goals in serving our community

Professional cooking and knife handling skills

Provide quality service

Ability to work in a team environment

Food and beverage knowledge

Ability to work morning, some evenings and weekends

Other:

Valid CA Driver License

Able to perform sedentary work;

Able to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion;

Ability to use keyboard and read computer screens for extended periods;

Able to stand/sit for extended periods, kneel, reach and bend related to the completion of duties;

HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.

HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 2+ years in prior experience in institutional or mass food preparation
• Sensitivity to the needs of homeless individuals and the support programs
• Knowledge of nutrition, meal planning, menus, safe food handling practices and inventory control
• Initiative, flexibility and effective response in situations of stress
• Multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks
• Ability to work with people of diverse social backgrounds
• Heavy lifting required
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision