Kitchen Coordinator - ARCHES Lodge - Day

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency • Salem, OR

1d • $23 - $24 • Onsite

About The Position

MWVCAA is seeking a mission-driven Kitchen Coordinator to join their team at ARCHES Lodge. This role is crucial in supporting the agency's mission to reduce the impacts of poverty by providing essential food services to the area's homeless population. The Kitchen Coordinator will work collaboratively with agency and community partners to organize and implement the program kitchen. This position offers significant growth opportunities and professional development through hands-on experience, with a focus on a day shift requiring flexibility.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years related experience working in community/commissary kitchens; experience coordinating with volunteers and community partners (program compliance, volunteer training and oversight, social service collaboration).
• Driver qualifications status is required for this position.
• Driver license, vehicle available for use on the job and acceptable DMV record for previous three years required.
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.
• Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification or ability to obtain within 60 days.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
• Basic proficiencies in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Must possess excellent planning, organization and time management skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in written form.
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy and empathy when communicating with clients, staff and program partners.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to focus.
• Use of kitchen equipment including, but not limited to range, oven, steamer, dishwasher, and various kitchen utensils.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs safely and repeatedly.
• Ability to navigate multiple floors with or without the use of an elevator when necessary.
• Ability to walk or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to navigate uneven ground.
• Ability to reach, and/or extend to access materials or equipment.
• Ability to walk frequently and occasionally navigate long-distance walks.
• Ability to move about the workspace.
• Manual dexterity for handling office and kitchen equipment.
• Frequent driving in all weather conditions to Agency and community sites in Polk and Marion counties.
• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.
• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.
• Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.
• Ability to proceed independently in accordance with Agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of becoming homeless.

Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with the agency and community partners for the organization and implementation of the program kitchen.
• Facilitating daily meal distribution.
• Purchasing and organizing supplies.
• Inventory tracking and reporting.
• Scheduling and training volunteers.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships within social service networks.
• Provides coordination and support for the program kitchen.
• Monitors the operation of commercial kitchen equipment and regularly checks temperatures to ensure safety and compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Creates menus and prepares, cooks, and distributes nutritious food in compliance with all food safety rules and regulations.
• Trains volunteers on proper procedures for food handling, food storage, and handling and maintaining kitchen equipment, including commercial appliances.
• Conducts inventory of food, serving material, and food storage materials and communicates supply needs to the Program Coordinator III or Manager.
• Assists in the implementation and oversight of all kitchen policies and procedures.
• Maintains full compliance with all federal, state, grant program and funding requirements, setting high standards for service quality and performance.
• Complies with Food Safety & Sanitation Codes.
• Establishes and maintains an active working relationship with: social service partners (churches, clubs & organizations), vendors/distributors, public health department(s), and county officials.
• Promotes a safe and healing environment for clients and victims of extreme trauma.
• Employs de-escalation techniques and makes quick decisions in response to guest or client incidents.
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers at all times.
• Attends and engages in required annual trainings.
• Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance.
• Health, Vision and Dental Insurance.
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company‑sponsored continuing education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED