Food Services Assistant

Breakthrough • Chicago, IL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Food Service Assistant cooks and provides meals in a shelter environment to guests who are currently homeless. The Food Service Assistant works with the Director and other Food Service Assistants to develop menus dependent upon available ingredients, prepare nutritious meals, and ensure a clean and sanitary kitchen. The position requires the ability to be pleasant, patient, compassionate and consistent with guests, volunteers and colleagues.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent; some college coursework preferred.
• Two years of related cooking experience.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have Food & Safety Sanitation license or obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Detail-oriented with excellent administrative and organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Hospitality mindset: welcoming, relational, adaptable.
• Must have a basic knowledge of kitchen organization and utensil care.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a collaborative team
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Must have the ability to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment in making decisions.
• Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to display a warm, supportive attitude toward all people.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow through and be comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through their relationship and guidance.
• Must possess an accurate and informed understanding of cultural and urban realities, especially related to families, poverty, and community development.
• Outstanding attitude, willingness to learn and grow, and capacity to excel in our collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare meals by developing new or analyzing existing recipes and ordering ingredients as necessary.
• Cook, assemble and serve meals according to safe food handling procedures and verify doneness and taste of all prepared foods.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and pantry area by adhering to state and local sanitation requirements and codes.
• Handle receiving and food storage according to food safety regulations including rotation of products in inventory.
• Monitor inventory and follow appropriate guidelines for replenishment.
• Maintain supplies inventory by checking stock, anticipating needs, and placing and expediting orders.
• Must verify all receipts and provide accurate record keeping.
• Timely reporting of maintenance issues with facility equipment, such as ovens, refrigerator, sinks, etc.
• Train and orientate volunteers to create a successful volunteer experience.
• Complete required documentation and record keeping using Breakthrough’s data tracking and volunteer management systems.
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance and the ability to create and maintain collaborative, harmonious working relationships with others.
• Completes any other related tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Sick leave - Part-time employees in this position are eligible for 1 hour of sick pay for every 35 hours worked in a pay period. This leave can be used for medical and safety reasons.
• Paid leave - Part-time employees in this position are eligible for 1 hour of paid pay for every 35 hours worked in a pay period. This leave can be used for any reason.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED