Community Food & Nutrition Coordinator

Bethesda House of Schenectady; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization in Schenectady seeks a Community Food & Nutrition Coordinator to manage food programs while promoting wellness. Responsibilities include meal preparation, menu planning, compliance with health standards, and staff supervision. Candidates should have a high school diploma, experience in food service operations, and strong communication skills. This full-time role offers a pay rate of $21/hr and requires compassion towards diverse populations.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience managing food service operations.
• Experience cooking and serving meals for large groups.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals across programs.
• Develop monthly menus for food programs.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines.

Skills

Food Safety Handling

Menu planning

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Food Safety Handling Certificate

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

At Bethesda House our goal is to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness - not just manage the symptoms. We believe every individual deserves to feel heard, safe and respected in our care.

We offer hands-on help to address chronic homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, disability, and systematic poverty by offering innovative solutions and proactive services to the most vulnerable in Schenectady County.

The Community Food & Nutrition Coordinator plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Agency’s food programs while promoting wellness and nutrition education. From preparing daily meals to leading menu planning - this role ensures that every guest is welcomed with compassion, dignity, and nutritious food while overseeing the work and productivity of the kitchen staff and volunteers.

Schedule: M-F, 7 am- 3:30 pm (FT - hours may vary according to seasonal season program needs)
Pay Rate: $21/hr

Primary Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve meals across programs:
  • 834 State Street – weekday afternoon meals
  • Lighthouse Residential Program – weekday evening meals (when RA III is unavailable)
  • Overnight Shelter Program – breakfast, light evening meal, and mid-day Medical Respite meals, plus weekends/holidays
  • Code Blue Shelter Program (Nov–Apr) – breakfast and light evening meal
• Develop monthly menus for 834 State Street and the Lighthouse program.
• Collaborate with the Day Program Supervisor to coordinate food programs including soup kitchens and pantries.
• Ensure meals meet Federal and State nutritional guidelines by following standardized recipes.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with NYS Health Department standards.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, volunteers, and interns—assigning tasks and fostering teamwork.
• Complete data entry and reporting through the Regional Food Bank platform.
• Processes monthly food program reports.
• Oversee food pantry stocking and inventory. Orders food and food items for the Soup Kitchen, 2 Food Pantries, and Lighthouse (as needed)
• Provide life skills training in cooking, nutrition, and kitchen safety to residents.
• Attend required meetings and trainings; maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Transport members to medical appointments, food resources, housing opportunities, and income stabilization supports (as assigned, using agency vehicles).
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of agency mission and programs.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required; at least 2-3 years of experience managing food service operations and supervising a kitchen staff.
• Experience with menu planning, cooking, and serving meals for large groups.
• Current Food Safety Handling Certificate or ability to obtain within a designated timeframe upon hire.
• Strong knowledge of food handling regulations and experience using commercial kitchen equipment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Must demonstrate compassion and respect when working with diverse and vulnerable populations as they relate to food preparation and presentation.
• Valid, clean NYS driver’s license (1+ year), with no DWI/DWAI in the past 3 years; must pass agency road test and maintain insurability.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must successfully complete a background check and DMV report.

Bethesda House is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In all employment and hiring decisions, the Agency complies with applicable anti-discrimination laws. This policy applies to all employment practices, including hiring, advertising, recruitment, promotion, demotion/transfer, layoff/termination of employment, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training and development.