Position Summary:
Carpenter’s Shelter is seeking a dedicated and organized Kitchen Coordinator to manage meal operations at both the Hoffman Center and Alexandria Community Shelter, working approximately 10 hours per week at each location. Carpenter’s Shelter provides three daily meals—continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner—to residents at both 64-bed emergency shelters, 365 days a year, with the support of Monitor staff and volunteers. The Kitchen Coordinator will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure volunteers who donate and serve meals are fully supported and trained. In the absence of volunteers, the Kitchen Coordinator will take responsibility for meal planning, preparation (including ordering and cooking), and serving. Additionally, the Kitchen Coordinator will guide Monitor staff as needed, ensuring all meals are prepared and served efficiently, safely, and in compliance with health standards.
Title: Kitchen Coordinator
Reports to: Senior Director of Programs
Locations: Alexandria Community Shelter (2355-B Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314)
The Hoffman Center (930 North Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22314)
Position Type: Part-Time (up to 20 hours per week)
About the Organization:
Since 1988, Carpenter’s Shelter has met the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness in the City of Alexandria. Through the operation of emergency shelter, day shelter, and winter shelter as well as rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, Carpenter’s Shelter identifies housing solutions and supports sustainable independence for more than 900 individuals and families each year.
Specific Roles and Responsibilities:
• Collaborate closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to manage meal schedules and ensure volunteers are well-prepared and supported to donate and serve meals at both shelters.
• Manage daily meal operations, including planning, preparing, and serving lunch and dinner at both The Hoffman Center and Alexandria Community Shelter when volunteers are not scheduled or there are call-outs, ensuring meals are nutritious, balanced, and accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies.
• Provide clear guidance and training to Monitor staff assisting with meal preparation and serving, ensuring all health and safety standards are met.
• Communicate necessary activity/information via Yammer (Viva Engage), phone calls, message, emails, etc. to staff so that all are aware of activity in the kitchens; communicate issues to on-call staff and supervisor immediately.
• Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and proper sanitation of the kitchens at both shelters, ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Monitor food inventory levels, place orders for needed supplies, and ensure efficient stock rotation to minimize waste and report findings to the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Develop cost-effective meal plans within budgetary guidelines in collaboration with supervisor.
• Ensure proper food storage, handling, and preparation practices are consistently followed to maintain food safety and prevent cross-contamination.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for residents, volunteers, and staff within the kitchen.
• Act as the primary point of contact for kitchen-related concerns, ensuring all meals are delivered efficiently and on schedule.
• Support the tracking of the meals, including the menu served as well as the number of people (adults and children) served at each location.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor
• Adhere to the Carpenter’s Shelter Code of Ethics and SEED Values
• Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Job Requirements:
• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience in food services industry
• Experience in meal planning, food preparation, or kitchen coordination, preferably in a community-based setting
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices for sanitation
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with volunteers, staff, and residents Ability to maintain documentation
• Strong time management and organizational skills; reliable and self-motivated
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, Power Point, Teams, SharePoint)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, if needed, to accommodate client and community needs
Preferred Skills:
• Food Handler Certification
• Experience working with a diverse population experiencing homelessnes
• Lived experience or direct personal connection to homelessness
Salary: $20 – $25 per hour, plus PTO, Sick Leave and Holidays
Application Process:
Applicants should forward a cover letter and resume electronically to HR@CarpentersShelter.org by October 22, 2024. In the subject line, type: “Kitchen Coordinator.” No telephone calls accepted. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
ADA Statement:
Carpenter’s Shelter will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Carpenter’s Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and agrees not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, age, gender, physical or mental disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Successful candidates must be committed to working with a culturally diverse population.