Chef Part Time

CHERRY STREET MISSION MINISTRIES•Toledo, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chef is responsible for the hands-on preparation, production, and service of meals across Cherry Street Mission. This role prepares food in large quantities according to established menus, recipes, food safety standards, and nutritional guidelines while helping ensure consistent quality, presentation, and hospitality. The Chef works alongside the Food Service Assistant Manager, other kitchen staff, volunteers, and guests to support safe, efficient, and welcoming food service operations. This position also assists with food storage, sanitation, inventory organization, meal service, catering, and other kitchen operations as assigned. The purpose of the Chef position is to prepare and serve safe, nutritious, and high-quality meals that support the daily needs of guests, residents, staff, volunteers, and ministry programs across Cherry Street Mission. This role supports the Food Service Assistant Manager by helping ensure menus are executed consistently, food is prepared and served according to established standards, and kitchen operations remain safe, organized, and ready to meet daily service needs. The Chef serves as a hands-on member of the Food Service team and helps create a welcoming environment through quality food, hospitality, teamwork, and practical service.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
ServSafe Food Handler or equivalent food safety certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of employment
Ability to meet organizational requirements for safe food handling and kitchen operations
Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, or special events as operationally required
Working knowledge of food preparation, cooking methods, portioning, and large-scale meal production
Knowledge of proper food handling, storage, labeling, rotation, sanitation, and temperature control practices
Ability to follow established menus, recipes, preparation procedures, and written or verbal instructions
Ability to maintain food quality, consistency, and presentation while working efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Ability to safely operate commercial kitchen equipment and common food preparation tools
Ability to organize work, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing meal counts and operational needs
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a kitchen team
Ability to provide clear instruction and practical guidance to volunteers and guests assisting in the kitchen
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact respectfully with guests, staff, volunteers, and partners
Basic computer skills and ability to complete required digital or written documentation
Commitment to cleanliness, safety, hospitality, teamwork, and quality food service

Nice To Haves

Previous food service, commercial kitchen, culinary, or large-scale food preparation experience preferred
Culinary education, training, or certification preferred but not required
Experience preparing food in large quantities preferred
Nonprofit or mission-driven experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook food in large quantities according to established menus, recipes, portion standards, and preparation procedures
Ensure food meets established standards for quality, taste, nutrition, presentation, and safe service
Adjust production needs as directed to support meal counts, special events, catering, and other ministry needs
Prepare meals for residential programs and other locations in accordance with established procedures
Assist with catering preparation, setup, and service as assigned
Follow all applicable food safety, sanitation, ServSafe, and organizational standards
Ensure proper handling, labeling, storage, rotation, and temperature control of food and supplies
Maintain clean and sanitary kitchen workspaces, equipment, food service areas, and assigned storage areas
Follow safe work practices and proper procedures for kitchen equipment, chemicals, and food preparation
Complete required cleaning, temperature, production, and operational checklists and documentation
Prepare, set up, maintain, and reset food service areas
Ensure menu items are portioned and served consistently
Provide a welcoming, respectful, and service-oriented experience to guests, staff, volunteers, and visitors
Assist with maintaining an efficient and organized flow of meal service
Provide clear instruction and hands-on guidance to volunteers and guests assisting with food preparation, service, dishwashing, cleaning, and other kitchen tasks
Help orient and train volunteers and guests on kitchen procedures, food safety, sanitation, and safe work practices
Model professionalism, hospitality, teamwork, and appropriate kitchen standards while working alongside others
Communicate concerns, support needs, or recurring issues to Food Service leadership
Assist with stocking, organizing, rotating, and maintaining food, supplies, and kitchen storage areas
Assist with evaluating and properly handling food donations according to established procedures
Monitor assigned food and supply needs and communicate shortages or concerns to Food Service leadership
Support efficient use of donated and purchased food while minimizing waste
Assist with general kitchen organization, dish room operations, trash removal, cleaning, and sanitation as needed
Help identify opportunities to improve food preparation, service flow, kitchen organization, sanitation, and daily operations
Communicate equipment concerns, supply needs, food quality issues, and operational barriers in a timely manner
Adapt to changing meal counts, staffing needs, events, emergencies, and operational priorities
Support special projects and other Food Service needs as assigned
Foster healthy relationships with staff, guests, and external partners to uphold organizational values
Work Collaboratively with the Food Service Assistant Manager, kitchen team, and other departments to support organizational and ministry needs
Attend and contribute to regular department and team meetings
Perform other duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission and operational needs