Kitchen Team Member

Shepherds House Ministries•Bend, OR

13d•Onsite

About The Position

At the Lighthouse our mission is to create safe, healing environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue personal growth and stability. We strive to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and walk alongside those facing life-controlling challenges such as trauma, addiction, and homelessness. Through emergency shelter, case management, and supportive services, we seek not only to address immediate needs but to foster lasting, positive change. Our vision is to help individuals break cycles of hardship and achieve meaningful transformation, ensuring that everyone in Central Oregon has the opportunity to find hope, stability, and healing. We are seeking a passionate and mission-driven Kitchen Team Member to help expand the impact of Shepherd’s House Ministries across all sites and advance this life-changing work. Our Kitchen team members work under the supervision of the Director of Food Services and are responsible for supporting daily operations in the kitchen and food service department. This role includes meal preparation, serving, and ensuring the safe handling of food for 200-500 guests per day across various Shepherd's House Ministries locations. The kitchen team members also play a role in community engagement, supporting the educational needs of guests in nutrition, and overseeing staff, volunteers, and kitchen compliance.

Requirements

Valid Food Handler’s Card (Oregon required).
Current ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a commercial, institutional, or high-volume kitchen (200+ meals per service preferred).
Knowledge of food safety standards, sanitation procedures, and health department compliance requirements.
Ability to safely lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail (temperature logs, donation tracking, compliance documentation).
Ability to supervise and coordinate volunteers.
Commitment to the mission, values, and faith-based culture of Shepherd’s House Ministries.
Valid driver’s license, acceptable to inclusion on our insurance. Willing to drive personal or company vehicle.
Employment is contingent upon successfully completion of a background check in accordance with organizational standards.

Responsibilities

Assist in daily kitchen operations serving 200–500 guests per day across Shepherd’s House Ministries locations.
Support menu planning, meal preparation, and service to ensure three nutritious meals are provided daily.
Prepare and distribute boxed meals and coordinate food delivery as needed.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local food safety regulations, including proper storage, labeling, rotation (FIFO), and temperature monitoring.
Maintain accurate records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, receiving documentation, and donation tracking.
Monitor inventory, assist with ordering, receive deliveries, and ensure proper inspection and storage of purchased and donated food.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and safety of kitchen equipment, prep areas, storage spaces, and dining areas.
Supervise and support cooks, kitchen assistants, and volunteers to ensure quality, safety, and mission alignment.
Build and maintain relationships with community food donors and support special events and cross-department initiatives.
Provide respectful peer support in a low-barrier environment, participate in required meetings and trainings, and promptly communicate safety concerns.