Cook (Per Diem)

Bridgeport Diocese; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridgeport Diocese seeks a per diem cook to prepare meals for the soup kitchen and supervise volunteers in a fast-paced environment. You will ensure safe handling, sanitation, and timely meal service for Stamford guests.

You should have a high school diploma, a Connecticut Food Safety Certificate, and strong communication and teamwork skills. This role supports a mission-driven team and involves physical tasks in a communal kitchen.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Connecticut Food Safety Certificate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Interest in soup kitchen environment with diverse needs.
• Empathy for the needs of those less fortunate and strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience using commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and/or direct preparation of meals for service following sanitation standards.
• Prepare meals for the soup kitchen when staff or volunteers are unavailable.
• Supervise and educate kitchen volunteers on food safety and serving duties.
• Foster a pleasant, team-oriented kitchen atmosphere and support volunteers.
• Ensure proper food handling, dating, packaging, and FIFO usage.
• Monitor sanitation procedures per Health Department guidelines.
• Report kitchen issues to supervisor and maintain clean kitchen areas.

Skills

Excellent communication

Supervisory skills

Team player

Empathy

Multi-tasking

Interpersonal skills

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Connecticut Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Join our dedicated team at our beautiful New Covenant Center, located in the Shippan area of Stamford, CT, as a Per Diem Cook. This flexible role offers an exciting opportunity to bring your food preparation expertise to a vibrant environment, ensuring nutritious and delicious meals are provided with care and precision. If you thrive in fast-paced settings and have a passion for creating wholesome dishes, this position is perfect for you!

Duties include: preparing and/or directing the preparation of food to be served complying with all applicable sanitation, health, and personal hygiene standards and following established food production programs and procedures.

Accountabilities:

• Prepare all meals for the soup kitchen where there is no adequate volunteer groups scheduled and/or no staff coverage.
• Knowledge of cooking procedures and the ability to prepare food according to food handlers’ guidelines
• Able to do repetitive work.
• Supervise and educate kitchen volunteers of proper food safety handling including proper hand washing, usage of hairnets, gloves, aprons, etc.
• Guide kitchen volunteers with meal preparation, and meal serving duties.
• Orientates and supports the kitchen volunteers in food preparation, clean-up, and fosters a pleasant, team approach atmosphere in the kitchen.
• Recycling leftover food in accordance using the FIFO (F*irst In First O*ut) system.
• Ensure that all food stored in refrigerator is securely wrapped with cellophane and aluminum foil to ensure sanitation, freshness, and quality, clearly marked with item.
• Ensure that all food is dated with current date and last day of usage.
• Report any food and kitchen related issues to supervisor.
• Monitor sanitation procedures in accordance with Health Department guidelines.
• Responsible for kitchen cleanliness. Ensure that all kitchen equipment, (i.e., stove, steamer, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave etc.,) is kept clean, inside and out, and the food preparation and storage areas are well-maintained.
• Provide prompt, courteous, and professional service to volunteers and Stamford Center guests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Possess or obtain Connecticut Food Safety Certificate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Interest in working in soup kitchen environment with a diverse population with varied needs.
• Must have empathy for the needs of those less fortunate; excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to cope with emergencies.
• Demonstrated cooking experience utilizing commercial kitchen equipment, including menu planning and meal preparation with inventory on hand.

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated supervisory skills, ability, and experience in a kitchen environment.
• Able to handle physical tasks requiring lifting and transporting heavy food trays 25 lbs.
• Able to work in a high-paced and hot environment.

Qualifications and Characteristics:

• Able to multi-task.
• Maintain thorough understanding of menu items and preparation techniques.
• Must be a team player.
• Personally committed to the mission, goals, and objectives of Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer