Cook

Organization

The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been serving the less fortunate in Southern California through emergency and long-term rehabilitation services since 1972. RMA partners with local churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people we serve. The San Fernando Valle Rescue Mission (SFVRM) is a vital part of RMA that offers outreach to the hungry and homeless, as well as our Men’s Life Recovery Program.

Summary

The Cook oversees all aspects of the food-service operations and ensures that the mission’s guests receive nutritious and healthy meals. Duties include managing food storage and cooking facilities, food preparation and cooking, overseeing volunteers, and serving the homeless. This is a full-time, non-exempt regular position and reports to the Program Manager and works closely with the Operation Coordinator. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience; this position is overtime eligible.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

•    Lead all aspects of SFVRM’s food service management – menu planning, preparation, food-safety program, kitchen repair, cleaning, and maintenance.

•    Lead a team of program men or woman and/or volunteers to prepare meals for the program residents and outreach activities.

•    Lead SFVRM food-pantry outreach (incl. set up/tear down, QC, reporting).

•    Lead food service for special events (holidays, graduations, fund raisers, etc.).

•    Manage food related inventory and supplies.

•    Ensure that all county health codes and practices are upheld, taught, and promoted.

•    Ensure the safety, order, and cleanliness of all working areas, including kitchens, pantry, refrigerator, freezer, and serving areas.

•    Ensure clean and safe operation of the food service vehicle kitchen.

•    Provide food service training to members of the Life-Recovery Program, Home Again and            volunteers.

•    Perform Monthly Safety Inspections.

•    Perform Bi-Monthly Equipment Inventory.

•    Complete tracking reports and safety logs and forms as assigned.

•    Assists Administrative Lead with shopping and other errands.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

•    Support mission objectives as a vital mission team member, including helping with special events and other mission activities as called upon.

•    Follow all safety (including MSDS and Smith System) procedures.

•    Participate in regular staff meetings and periodic training meetings.

•    Perform all other duties as directed.

Supervisory Responsibilities

•    Supervises volunteers and/or program clients who are helping in the kitchen.

Qualifications

• Vibrant, committed follower of Jesus Christ, active in a local church.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Valid California Driver’s license and insurable under RMA.
• Kitchen/cooking skills and experience, including safety certification(s), Kitchen Manager Certification and will be required upon starting position (training provided by RMA).
• Attention to detail, organized and leadership experience.
• Institutions and quantity experience preferred.
• Culinary training preferred but not necessary.

Skills

•    Able to work well with clients and volunteers in a supervisory role, assisting in giving counsel and direction where necessary.

•    Able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, including the ability to delegate tasks.

•    Demonstrable Gospel concern for the lost and broken in society.

•    A sincere desire to be a “Servant Leader” in actual everyday situations.

•    A teachable spirit and be committed to team participation.

Software

•    Basic windows software (Outlook, Word, internet browsers).

Physical Demands

This position requires extended times of working in a fast-paced environment. The position also requires lifting items up to 60 lbs. and working on feet for long periods of time.

Equipment

•    Commercial kitchen Equipment and tools.

•    Office equipment such as computers, copiers, and printers.

•    Cleaning equipment and supplies.

Work Environment

As a part of normal duties this position will be in locations with an at-risk population where errant behavior and risk of infectious disease may be present, as well as commercial settings where medium duty equipment may be in use, such as forklifts and bailers. Appropriate safety considerations will be required to avoid illness and injury.