Meal Specialist

Socket.dev; New York (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with up to a 5% employer match

Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal?e

12 Paid Holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

Ali Forney Center in Manhattan, NY, is seeking a Meal Specialist to assist with daily nutritional meal service for clients. You will work with the culinary team to prepare attractive, OCFS-approved meals, maintain kitchen cleanliness, and keep nutrition records. On-site role with evening/weekend hours required.

The position emphasizes safe food handling, accuracy, and teamwork in a fast-paced setting while serving LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness. A license is required within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Food handler license required within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, preparing, and serving meals focused on nutrition to clients at the Drop-in Center.
• Adhere to health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements during meal prep.
• Plan and participate in nutritious cooking activities with clients.
• Maintain record-keeping and reporting.

Skills

Food preparation

Nutrition planning

Sanitation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: New York, NY 10018Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $27.00 - $27.00 Hourly

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

SCHEDULE: TBD upon interview LOCATION: Manhattan WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: In-Person

POSITION SUMMARY

This position will assist with the day-to-day operation of the nutritional services of our clients. The Meal Specialist works with the culinary team in the preparation of attractive, OCFS-approved meals; keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; and maintaining adequate food, supplies, and nutrition records. The Meal Specialist would run the kitchen while onsite and plan meals for others to serve when off-site.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with planning, preparing, and serving meals focused on nutrition to clients at the Drop-in Center.
• Understand and strictly adhere to health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during, and after meal preparation.
• Plan and participate in nutritious cooking activities with clients, including running nutritional, cooking, and/or baking groups with clients.
• Maintain record-keeping and reporting.
• Ensure proper storage of all foods, fresh, frozen or prepared.
• Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures.
• Maintain kitchen dining room, food closets, freezers, refrigerators, and other food preparation areas clean and sanitary; conduct routine deep cleaning of kitchen.
• Maintain and be aware of client allergies and concerns.
• Serve and clean up after meals.
• Plan and prepare all meals to be served easily in one's absence, including weeknights, holidays, and scheduled time off.
• Supervise client interns during meal prep and service.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Food handler license required within 30 days of hire.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must demonstrate exceptional engagement, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Must demonstrate accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing responsibilities. Experience working with adolescent and young adult populations preferred. Knowledge of and experience working with LGBTQ+ street-involved youth preferred. Ability to plan and prepare nutritious meals for a large number of people. Basic understanding of and experience using commercial kitchen equipment preferred. Evening and weekend hours are required.

CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

AFC Core Competencies

• Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice
• Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations
• Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration
• Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability
• Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments

Role-Related Competencies

• Food Preparation & Nutrition: Demonstrates the ability to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious, attractive meals that meet client needs and applicable OCFS requirements.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Demonstrates knowledge of food handling, sanitation, food storage, temperature control, and health and safety standards.
• Kitchen Operations: Demonstrates the ability to operate and maintain a commercial kitchen, including equipment, food preparation areas, refrigerators, freezers, and food storage spaces.
• Planning & Organization: Demonstrates strong organizational skills and the ability to plan meals, maintain adequate supplies, and prepare for scheduled absences.

BENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDS

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)
• Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture

ACKNOWLEDGMENT & SIGNATURES

Supervisor Signature: ________________________
Print Name: _______________________
Date: ____________________
Employee Signature: _______________________
Print Name: ______________________
Date: ____________________

Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.