DSC/Kitchen Support
About The Position
Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. Working under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, the DSC/Kitchen Support staff is responsible for maintaining a clean kitchen and practice safe food handling techniques, while prepping food and providing meals for Housing Matters residential participants. The ideal candidate will be able to work alongside volunteers, Kitchen staff, and campus shelter DSCs and be immersed in the day-to-day operations of running an institutional kitchen while practicing safe food handling standards and procedures. This position will share time between the Housing Matters main campus and two of the Housing Matters off-campus locations; Live Oak Landing (The Landing) and Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH).
Requirements
- Must be ServSafe certified.
- Ability to work independently and with little supervision
- Must be in possession of a valid Driver’s License, as driving for food delivery between Housing Matters sites will be assigned.
- Must be at least 18 years or older and have a clean driving record.
- Thorough knowledge of: Kitchen cleaning and safety procedures
- Thorough knowledge of: Kitchen organizational skills
- Thorough knowledge of: Food Handling
- Thorough knowledge of: Customer service skills
- Thorough knowledge of: Barriers to housing for people experiencing homelessness
- Thorough knowledge of: De-escalation techniques
- Thorough knowledge of: Multitasking in a fast-paced environment
- Thorough knowledge of: Radio communication
- Thorough knowledge of: Sanitation techniques
Nice To Haves
- High school diploma or GED completion
- Bilingual English and Spanish speaking a plus
- Familiarity with professional kitchens
- CPR and First Aid certification is preferred
Responsibilities
- Preparing, cooking, and serving meals. Food prepared must meet quality and Serve-safe standards for taste, temperature (doneness), and visual appeal.
- Use all equipment in a safe manner according to proper procedures – stove, title skillet, kettle, convection ovens, can openers, knives, steam tables, ice wands, trash compactor, carts).
- Wash dishes and kitchen equipment.
- Taking inventory and checking orders that arrive from the warehouse; organizing storage.
- Following opening and closing procedures.
- Maintaining and following cleaning and sanitizing protocols to ensure a safe environment.
- Supporting shelter programs and day services
- Maintaining a safe, secure, and clean environment
- Be available to answer questions and problem-solve with shelter guests
- Distribute snacks and supplies when available
- Understand and apply housing first and harm reduction strategies
- Maintain and role model professional boundaries at all times
- Respond appropriately to potential encounters using de‐escalation techniques
- Call upon community resources for assistance when appropriate
- Communicate with safety and staff via email or during shift handoffs
- When appropriate, complete Incident Reports under policy guidelines
- Review and maintain accurate documentation during shifts
- Provide support to other staff members
- Attend staff and agency trainings and meetings as required
- Other duties as assigned
Benefits
- The DSC/Kitchen Support position is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
