Part-time Cook

Position Type: Part-time, Saturday & Sunday 5:00 am - 12:00 pm, Wednesday & Thursday 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Compensation: $22.00/hour

Union Representation: OPEIU Local 29

Hamilton Families

Our mission is to end family homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 1985, Hamilton Families is San Francisco's leading service provider to homeless families, with carefully designed programs to prevent homelessness, provide shelter and stability, return families to permanent housing and support the well-being of children experiencing homelessness. We currently operate these programs across multiple sites in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area.

Program and Position Overview

Hamilton Families Shelter Program in the Tenderloin provides a safe place to sleep, three meals a day and critical social services to 50 families a night (about 150 individuals) for up to six months. The program provides emergency beds for families in immediate crisis and private rooms for families on the city's shelter waitlist. Participants receive comprehensive support services that include case management with referrals and linkages to community services and benefits, employment and life skills training, access to basic health services, children's services, three meals a day, and innovative and direct assistance in securing permanent housing.

Reporting to the Cook Coordinator, the Cook is primarily responsible for providing nutritious meals in a clean and safe environment. The ability to work several shifts per week is also strongly preferred. Applicants must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious and well-balanced meals for 55 families residing on site.
• Assist to plan meals/menu while maintaining an awareness of and incorporate resident dietary needs and restrictions into meal planning and preparation.
• Order food as necessary for menu items, ensuring food quality and variety, while monitoring compliance with monthly program food budget.
• Implement and maintain appropriate health and safety standards/codes for food items and kitchen.
• Ensure compliance of kitchen hygienic standards and sanitary food handling practices. Maintain clean kitchen area throughout assigned shifts including: counters, refrigerator/freezers, and stove. Floor is, at minimum, kept broom clean.
• Complete quarterly cleaning schedule of appliances, food preparation and storage items.
• Remove trash and recycling after each shift.
• Attend to day-to-day problems and needs concerning equipment and food supplies; detect and ensure disposing of spoiled or unattractive food, defective supplies/equipment, and/or other unusual conditions.
• Work with supervisor to ensure adequate amount of food is ordered, prepared and served as necessary.
• Store and label all food appropriately.
• Facilitate inspections, meet requirements and maintain adequate records for licensing and certification.
• Participate in periodic staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Interact with participants in a supportive and caring manner.
• Work with supervisor to accommodate and plan for special events, activities and functions.
• Work with supervisor on a regular, on-going basis to address all relevant needs, concerns and issues related to the kitchen and meals service.
• Along with residential staff, helps to ensure that shelter policies are explained and enforced in the kitchen facility.
• Assist in orienting volunteers and new staff working in the kitchen facility.
• Maintain and promote the cooperative, harmonious, teamwork environment Hamilton Families strives to foster in the workplace; maintain and promote an atmosphere of dignity and respect in line with the philosophy and policies of Hamilton Families.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Current ServSafe Certification in good standing as well as verifiable skill set in hygienic food preparation.
• Minimum two years' experience in institutional food services (e.g. Hospitality Industry, Large healthcare institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes a plus); ability and knowledge to prepare meals and maintain a kitchen facility according to established criteria.
• Valid CADL and clean DMV record strongly preferred; Able and willing to travel locally as needed.
• Prior experience ordering, cooking and serving meals for large numbers of people.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues facing program participants (e.g. substance use, mental health, domestic violence, resources for undocumented individuals, workplace reintegration, etc.).
• Team player, able and willing to work with a diverse staff and client population.
• Able to work evenings and/or weekends.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to safely use cleaning equipment and supplies.
• Ability to prepare and bake a variety of pastries, rolls and/or other baked goods.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Skill in cooking and preparing a variety of foods.
• Knowledge of food preparation and presentation methods, techniques, and quality standards.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Ability to accept receipt of goods and supplies.
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus.
• Attend meetings, trainings, certification courses, etc. as required.
• Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Moderate physical activity, subject to lifting heavy items. Requires handling of weight objects between 75 - 100 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Position requires routine TB (Tuberculosis) testing and documentation (post-offer).
• Background checks required (post-off).