Cook (On Call)

Insight Housing; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Housing in Berkeley, CA is seeking a cook to support the Meals Program at the Hope Center. You will prepare and distribute meals, maintain kitchen safety, and ensure food service meets the needs of clients across shelter programs.

The role requires knowledge of food safety, CA Food Handler’s Certification (or ability to obtain), CPR/First Aid training, and at least one year of cooking experience. A flexible schedule to cover shifts and occasional on-call duties is essential to support

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food safety procedures.
• CPR/First Aid training required or obtainable upon hire.
• At least one year of food prep or cooking experience.
• Flexible schedule with ability to work shifts on short notice and overtime.
• Commitment to serving homeless individuals.
• Computer skills are a plus.
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse clients.

Responsibilities

• Cook daily meals for clients.
• Maintain sanitation and safety in kitchen.
• Wash dishes and clean kitchen and storage areas.
• Assist with menu prep and inventory.
• Coordinate meal delivery to multiple sites.
• Host and serve Community Meal activities.
• Attend meetings and trainings and submit timesheets.
• Follow Insight Housing Code of Conduct.
• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Food safety procedures

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

CA Food Handler’s Certification

CPR/First Aid Training

Job description

Compensation: $25/hour

Company Overview

For more than 50 years, Insight Housing has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in seven counties in the bay area - Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated to our mission of ensuring everyone in our community has a home through supportive and sustainable housing solutions.

Program Overview

The Insight Housing Meals Program serves nutritious and delicious meals to people who are experiencing food and/or housing insecurity. We have a large commercial kitchen and dining room at the Hope Center in Berkeley and serve 3 meals per day to the 32-bed Men's Shelter and 12-bed Veterans at the Transitional Housing programs as well as deliver food to other residential programs in Berkeley. During the weekdays, we provide a sit-down Community Meal for over 100 diners.

Position Summary

Under supervision of the Program Manager, the Cook provides key support to our meals program at our Berkeley locations, primarily focusing on preparing and distributing meals and completing all tasks related to meeting the food needs of our clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Cook daily meals.
• Ensure proper safety and sanitation in food preparation and serving.
• Wash dishes, clean kitchen and food storages areas, and complete other cleaning tasks as needed.
• Assist with menu prepping.
• Assist with inventory (ordering, receiving, organization) and program statistics (collecting and reporting).
• Coordinate with shelter manager and resident advocates to assess program needs and provide support.
• Drive own or agency vehicle to deliver meals to various agency sites as assigned.
• Perform all tasks necessary for hosting and serving our Community Meal, including but not limited to setup/breakdown, directing volunteers, serving food, light janitorial, and security.
• Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency’s health and safety practices.
• Attend and participate in all meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Complete and submit timesheets in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work within the framework of Insight Housing’s Code of Conduct.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of food safety procedures and possession of CA Food Handler’s Certification (or ability to obtain certification upon hire)
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid Training
• At least one year of food prep or cooking experience in a restaurant or group setting.
• Maintain flexible schedule and be available to work shifts on short notice and to work overtime when required for on call staff
• Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Understanding of and sensitivity to issues related to homeless, low income, mentally disabled, and chemically dependent persons.
• Computer skills is a plus
• Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with staff and clients of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to provide good customer service. Communicate effectively and maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good interpersonal and crisis intervention skills with a can do and flexible attitude. Ability to work well under high pressure.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.

Special Requirements

• This position requires frequent driving. A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies.
• Must be able to receive and maintain criminal records clearance.
• Must be able to obtain TB clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly.
• May be occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• May be required to lift or move up to 50 lbs.

Insight Housing is an equal opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.