JMFL Kitchen Coordinator

The Salvation Army Southern California•Tacoma, WA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The JMFL Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for the planning, preparation, coordination, and day-to-day operation of food services for the Jarvie Memorial Family Lodge. The position ensures that nutritious meals are provided to residents seven days per week while maintaining compliance with food safety regulations, Salvation Army policies, and health department standards. The Kitchen Coordinator oversees kitchen operations, including menu planning, inventory management, purchasing, sanitation, documentation, and equipment maintenance. While Program Aides remain under the supervision of the JMFL Program Manager, the Kitchen Coordinator provides operational direction related to food preparation, meal service, sanitation, and kitchen workflow while Program Aides are assigned to kitchen duties. The position collaborates closely with the JMFL Program Manager, Case Managers, Officers, and other staff to support participant well-being and ensure the efficient operation of shelter food services.

Requirements

Minimum two years of progressively responsible experience in commercial or institutional food service, including menu planning, inventory management, food safety and purchasing.
Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple tasks while maintaining food safety and quality standards.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Ability to demonstrate empathy toward participants in crisis using a trauma-informed care approach.
Self-motivated and able to quickly learn and apply new information and skills.
Sensitivity to and understanding of the comprehensive mission of The Salvation Army.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to work effectively in a challenging environment while maintaining professionalism and composure under pressure.
Ability and willingness to maintain confidentiality.
Must complete and adhere to Protecting the Mission requirements and guidelines, including passing a TSA background check.
Possess or acquire a current Washington State Food Worker Card.
Willingness to comply with stated work schedule.

Nice To Haves

Experience using donated food inventory and minimizing food waste preferred.
Ability to attain ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification within 12 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Plan and prepare nutritious, balanced meals for JMFL residents and coordinate daily meal production using donated and purchased food.
Ensure meals comply with food safety and nutritional standards.
Coordinate meal substitutions and special dietary needs where appropriate.
Develop meal plans and ensure adequate food supplies are available in advance of holidays, scheduled leave, and other anticipated staffing absences.
Develop and maintain weekly menus, post planned meals and maintain meal service records.
Manage the day-to-day operation, cleanliness, and organization of the kitchen and dining room, including dishes, cookware, appliances, work surfaces, and food preparation areas.
Maintain inventory of both food and non-food supplies (dinnerware, utensils, cleaning products etc.).
Order supplies in coordination with fiscal staff (officers, JMFL Program Manager, grants & compliance team).
Ensure proper food storage, rotation and sanitation practices.
Maintain compliance with health department and Salvation Army food safety requirements.
Maintain kitchen equipment and report maintenance or repair needs promptly.
Maintain statistical records, reports, logs, files and other required documentation.
Coordinate the operational work of Program Aides while they are assigned to kitchen and dining room duties to ensure meals are prepared, served, and cleaned up safely and efficiently.
Monitor completion and quality of assigned kitchen duties.
Communicate operational or performance concerns related to kitchen assignments to the JMFL Program Manager.
Collaborate with the JMFL program manager, case managers, and officers on all matters related to participant needs, safety concerns, and food service operations.
Treat co-workers, participants/residents, community partners and volunteers with respect and dignity.
Communicate professionally and respectfully through all modes of communication to employees and participants; this includes verbal (conversations, over the phone, recorded messages) as well as written (text, emails, changeover reports).
Participate in regular staff meetings.
Check work email and keep updated on shift logs from colleagues.

Benefits

paid holidays
vacation time
sick time
medical, vision, and dental insurance
Low bi-weekly premiums for employee-only coverage
Kaiser HMO for those residing in a Kaiser service area
Anthem EPO/PPO is available for those residing outside a Kaiser service area.
Voluntary +1 and +family coverage at additional cost.
Delta Dental DHMO and DPPO dental insurance are offered.
An employer-paid life insurance policy covers employees.
Voluntary supplemental life, short-term and long-term disability plans are available.
Employer-funded Money Purchase Pension Plan (Defined Contribution Plan) 50% vested at five years eligible service time.
employee-funded voluntary 403(b) option.
40 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying events (Parental Leave).
12 days of Sick Leave annually accruing from day one, eligible for use after three months’ service time.
Two weeks annually, accruing from day one, for non-exempt positions (Paid Vacation).
Four weeks annually, accruing from day one, for exempt positions (Paid Vacation).
Accrued vacation is eligible for use after six months’ service time.
13 designated holidays + 1 floating holiday per year (Paid Holidays).