Cook

HomeFirst; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

HomeFirst seeks a Cook to prepare meals at the Boccardo Reception Center in San Jose, under supervision of the Kitchen & Food Services Manager. You will create menus, supervise interns and volunteers, and ensure all food is cooked and served safely while maintaining clean, organized kitchen spaces.

The role requires proficiency in knife handling, ability to work mornings, some evenings and weekends, and a valid CA driver license. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years in institutional or mass food preparation.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work mornings, some evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals according to menus and production guidelines.
• Supervise interns and volunteers in meal prep and service.
• Maintain sanitation and safe food handling practices.
• Operate kitchen equipment and assist with inventory control.

Skills

Professional cooking

Knife handling

Food safety

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Ovens

Grills

Slicers

Mixers

Job description

POSITION: CookLOCATION: BRC, 2011 Little Orchard Street, San Jose, CaSUPERVISOR: Kitchen and Food Services ManagerTYPE: Full Time, Non-ExemptCOMPENSATION: $27.50-29.00/HourlyABOUT HOMEFIRSTEstablished 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 VALUESKindness: We act with empathy toward others.Passion: We ignite change to fulfill our mission.Excellence: We deliver exceptional service to our communities.POSITION OVERVIEWThe 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 RELATIONSHIPSThis role reports to the Kitchen & Food Services Manager.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIESEstablish menus with guidance from the Food Services SupervisorPrepare meals according to menus and food availabilitySupervise interns, volunteers and community volunteer groups in proper preparation and serving of mealsOperates equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and uses a variety of cooking methods on meat, vegetables, and other foodsMaintain cleanliness and sanitary operation of kitchen, serving and storage areasAssure that food is prepared, served and stored in a safe, sanitary manner and in accordance with agency policies and proceduresMaintain and count food service inventoryRotate 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 stationsPerform all other tasks, including cross-training as directedNotify Food Services Supervisor of any supply, equipment needs or maintenance issuesAttend and participate in food service meetingsContribute to improving the kitchen and food servicesMaintain excellent customer service and positive attitude towards guests, customers, clients, co-workers, etc.Immediately report all suspicious occurrences and hazardous conditionsOther duties as assignedSkills, Abilities, and Knowledge:Commitment to the agency and its goals in serving our communityProfessional cooking and knife handling skillsProvide quality serviceAbility to work in a team environmentFood and beverage knowledgeAbility to work morning, some evenings and weekendsOther:Valid CA Driver LicenseAble 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 GED2+ years in prior experience in institutional or mass food preparationSensitivity to the needs of homeless individuals and the support programsKnowledge of nutrition, meal planning, menus, safe food handling practices and inventory controlInitiative, flexibility and effective response in situations of stressMulti-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasksAbility to work with people of diverse social backgroundsHeavy lifting requiredAbility to work independently with limited supervision