POSITION: Senior Community Meals Associate

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Hourly, Non-Exempt, Full-Time

SUPERVISOR: Community Meals Manager

OBJECTIVE: Assists in meal preparation and volunteer coordination for LISTEN’s free meal program based out of the dining hall at 42 Maple St. in White River Junction, VT. This position works closely with the Dining Hall Manager for the day-to-day execution of the dining hall program.

PAY: $17.00 - $20.00 (pay decisions will be based on experience and qualifications.)

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support Staff Coordination: As a senior team member supports the Community Meals Manager with organizing and coordinating volunteers in meal preparation and serving. Explain basic food preparation procedure and assign tasks to volunteers. Reinforces that volunteers follow food safety standards.
• Support Dining Hall Guests: Helps to maintain a friendly, welcoming, and safe atmosphere for all guests. Address guests’ needs, comments, and concerns. As needed, refer guests to appropriate colleagues or services for additional support.
• Space & Food Safety Standards: Helps to set the standard for a clean and sanitary kitchen. Adheres to ALL sanitation guidelines and cleaning lists set forth by department and federal/state regulations. This includes but is not limited to proper hand hygiene, proper use of gloves in preparing food, wearing a clean uniform, using hair restraints, correct use of cleaning chemicals to clean and completion of cleaning responsibilities in and around the kitchen. Responsible for the cleaning, washing and sanitizing of all equipment and work surfaces used in the preparation of all meals. Train other staff and volunteers on use of commercial dishwasher, as needed.
• Prepare Meals for Community Meals Program: Prepares food in accordance with current applicable federal, state guidelines and regulations to ensure high-quality food service is provided. Follows recipes and/or product directions for preparing, seasoning, cooking, tasting, carving and serving soups, meats, vegetables, desserts and other food for consumption in eating establishments. Prepares foods by operating a variety of kitchen equipment to measure and mix ingredients, washing, peeling, cutting and shredding fruits and vegetables, and trimming and cutting meat, poultry or fish for culinary use.
• Maintain Information Records: Helps maintain records for dining hall utilization, e.g., counts the number of clients served at each meal, volunteer hours worked, guest rentals, and other reports as requested.
• Other: Participate in regular staff meetings and training. Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
• Experience working in a commercial kitchens.
• Knowledge of health and safety rules in a kitchen.
• Positive, compassionate attitude and strong desire to help others.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations is preferred.
• Ability to be flexible, problem solve, and collaborate with teammates in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to set limits, enforce rules, defuse crisis situations, and use good judgment and initiative in problem solving
• Respect for and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Attention to detail and organizational abilities required.
• Familiarity with Office suite, especially Microsoft Outlook email and calendar.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to pass a background check (results will be reviewed on case-by-case basis)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience: Previous experience working in a commercial kitchen is required, with a passion for cooking and community outreach.

Cognitive Skills: Ability to read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers and dining hall guests. The employee is frequently required to use written communication and is occasionally required to use math skills. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to be on their feet, walking and standing. The employee is frequently required to reach, handle (hold, grasp, turn, or otherwise work with hand or hands), finger (picking, pinching, fine manipulation). The employee is occasionally required to bend, squat, climb stairs, push and pull. The employee is occasionally required to crouch, kneel, balance, twist, and stretch. The employee is frequently required to lift and/or move between 25-50lbs and minimally required to lift and/or move 50+lbs.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly exposed to noise and will occasionally be exposed to fumes from cooking and cleaning elements. The employee will also experience various temperatures while working in a commercial kitchen, from hot temperatures (while cooking equipment like ovens and stove tops are on) to cold temperatures (walk-in cooler and freezer).

LISTEN Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment opportunities. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact, (603) 448-4553.

LISTEN Community Services is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.