Meal Specialist

Ali Forney Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

The Ali Forney Center in Manhattan seeks a Meal Specialist to assist with daily nutritional meal operations for youth clients. You will work with the culinary team to plan and serve nutritious, OCFS-approved meals, while keeping the kitchen clean, safe, and compliant with health regulations.

You will also coordinate activities with clients and supervise interns, ensuring accurate records are kept for meals, temperatures, and supplies. Evening and weekend availability is required.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred.
• Food handler license required within 30 days of hire.
• Evening and weekend hours are required.
• Knowledge of LGBTQ+ youth preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, preparing, and serving meals focused on nutrition to clients at the Drop-in Center.
• Understand and adhere to health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements.
• Plan and participate in nutritious cooking activities with clients, including running groups.
• Maintain record-keeping and reporting.
• Supervise client interns during meal prep and service.

Skills

Food safety

Nutrition planning

Kitchen operations

Organization

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONThe 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 interviewLOCATION: ManhattanWORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: In-PersonPOSITION SUMMARYThis 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 RESPONSIBILITIESAssist 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.QUALIFICATIONSHigh School diploma or GED preferred. Food handler license required within 30 days of hire.WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDSMust 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 COMPETENCIESAFC Core CompetenciesMission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practiceCultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populationsTrauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaborationClear communication, professionalism, and accountabilityAdaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environmentsRole-Related CompetenciesFood 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.onBENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDSMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid HolidaysEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional Development OpportunitiesMission-driven, inclusive workplace cultureACKNOWLEDGMENT & SIGNATURESSupervisorSignature: ________________________Print Name: _______________________Date: ____________________EmployeeSignature: _______________________Print Name: ______________________Date: ____________________Thank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications.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.