Shelter Kitchen Chef – Youth Meals & Menu Planning

Covenant House New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant House New York is seeking a kitchen assistant to prepare and serve nourishing meals for clients and events. You will help maintain inventory, follow food safety guidelines, and collaborate with cooks and residential staff to support the shelter’s nutrition program.

Responsibilities include assisting in menu development, presenting dishes, and facilitating youth cooking workshops, while maintaining sanitation and equipment in the kitchen.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED plus a Food Protection certificate.
• Culinary school diploma is a plus.
• 2-3 years of experience in the food service industry.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to operate institutional ovens, steamers, kettles, and slicers.
• Knowledge of NSLP is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food per recipes for clients and events.
• Cook with baking, grilling, frying, boiling, and steaming; ensure freshness.
• Assist in developing daily and seasonal menus.
• Present and garnish food on serving dishes.
• Maintain sanitation and hygiene per health guidelines.
• Manage inventory: monitor stock, place orders, rotate items.
• Set up and clean workstations; sanitize equipment.
• Record equipment or food quality issues to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff and residential staff.
• Attend meetings and offer improvement suggestions.
• Facilitate cooking workshops with youth.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Knife skills

Time management

Recipe reading/compliance

Education

High School diploma/GED and Food Protection certificate

Culinary school diploma

Job description

Covenant House New York is seeking a kitchen assistant to prepare and serve nourishing meals for clients and events. You will help maintain inventory, follow food safety guidelines, and collaborate with cooks and residential staff to support the shelter’s nutrition program.

Responsibilities include assisting in menu development, presenting dishes, and facilitating youth cooking workshops, while maintaining sanitation and equipment in the kitchen.