Cook

Summary

The full-time Cook is responsible for the planning and preparation of nutritious healthy meals in a high-volume environment feeding over 200+ homeless and low-income women daily. The ideal candidate portrays a positive energy and calm demeanor at all times, manages priorities in the kitchen environment, leads and motivates volunteers, participants, interns and other staff members to do their best and get the job done.

The full‑time cook understands and places a high emphasis on maintaining a "clean as you go" environment. This position is responsible for assisting in the long‑term planning and budgeting of the meals program, cleanliness of the entire kitchen, including pantry, walk‑in refrigerator, freezer, equipment, utility and service area, and also maintains an organized and efficient working environment.

The full‑time Cook enjoys being creative with meals, has a superior knowledge of food safety and cleaning solutions; a good understanding of HACCP is a plus. The candidate has a strong ability to improvise menus and builds positive relationships with all patrons of the center. Strong leadership qualities are required to be successful as well as being able to work in a high stressful environment.

Reporting directly to the Kitchen Manager, this position must have strong communication skills, good teamwork, be able to follow directions and work under minimal supervision.

• Maintains a clean and organized kitchen. Cleans and sanitizes equipment, prep tables, service counters, dishes, pots and pans, etc. Practices "clean as you go" at all times.
• Oversees planning of menus; responsible for preparing and executing 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack) for 200+ women.
• Assist in managing food inventory, including order placement and delivery. Manages food donation drives as needed.
• Supervises and trains participants, volunteers (individual and groups), interns and other staff in the preparation and cooking of meals.
• Have excellent organizational skills and time management skills; be able to function under time constraints and deadlines with attention to detail.
• Provides crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and mediation as necessary.
• Ensures food safety by labeling and dating food, executes proper food rotation (FIFO), maintains appropriate food storage guidelines and keeps all areas in compliance with Health Department regulations.
• Supports the development of measurable outcomes and the implementation of data collection.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Must be highly flexible. Weekends and holidays are required. Some evenings.
• Must have strong communication skills to interact and establish relationships with patrons assisting in the kitchen.
• Ability to exercise good judgment in crisis situations.
• Sensitivity and knowledge of the complexity of poverty and women's homelessness, including mental illness, substance dependency and abuse, and needs of older adults.
• Able to work under minimum supervision and meet tight deadlines.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Also be able to bend, climb ladders, and lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

No, on‑site only

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years' experience in food service.
• Serv Safe Certification required.
• Degree in culinary arts or nutrition a plus.

• Cultural humility.
• Must be a CA resident and live no more than 80 miles from DWC; must be available for in‑person meetings at DWC.
• Must provide documentation of a negative TB test result within the last twelve months, on first day of hire.
• Vaccination requirements:
  Up to date on COVID‑19 vaccinations, booster schedules, etc. (Full detailed policy retained in original text).

This is full‑time, regular, non‑exempt position and is eligible for DWC's comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, parking and transportation benefits. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Sunday from 5:00am to 4:00pm but are subject…