ABOUT CARPENTER’S SHELTER:
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 families and individuals each year.
TITLE: Kitchen Coordinator - ACS
REPORTS TO: Director of Programs - Alexandria Community Shelter (ACS)
LOCATION: Alexandria Community Shelter (2355 B Mill Rd, Alexandria, VA 22314)
POSITION TYPE: Part-Time (up to 25 hours per week)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Carpenter’s Shelter is seeking a dedicated and organized Kitchen Coordinator to oversee meal operations at ACS, working approximately 25 hours per week. 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 support from volunteers and staff.
The Kitchen Coordinator will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure volunteers who donate and serve meals are fully supported, trained, and scheduled. In collaboration with the Volunteer Coordinator, this role will also help build and maintain community partnerships to fill meal gaps throughout the year.
Ensure uninterrupted meal service by coordinating volunteer providers, preparing meals when necessary, implementing contingency meal plans, and collaborating with shelter staff to address unexpected service interruptions. The Kitchen Coordinator will also provide guidance to Monitor staff as needed, ensuring that all meals are prepared and served efficiently, safely, and in compliance with health standards.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to manage meal schedules, support volunteers, and cultivate community partnerships that help fill gaps in meal coverage.
- Oversee daily meal operations, including planning, preparing, and serving meals when volunteers are unavailable, ensuring all meals are nutritious, balanced, and meet dietary needs.
- Ensure uninterrupted meal service by developing contingency meal plans for volunteer cancellations, severe weather events, emergency shelter activations, and other operational disruptions.
- Ensure compliance with all Virginia Department of Health food safety regulations and Carpenter's Shelter policies.
- Maintain required food safety documentation, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and inspection documentation.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with local, state, and agency health standards.
- Monitor inventory levels of food, beverages, paper products, cleaning supplies, and kitchen equipment to ensure adequate stock.
- Order food and kitchen supplies within the approved budget, maintain appropriate emergency food reserves, and implement inventory control practices, including stock rotation, to minimize waste.
- Assist in monitoring food expenditures and maintaining kitchen operations within the approved budget.
- Develop cost-effective menus and maintain accurate records of meal counts, menus, inventory, food donations, and other required documentation.
- Coordinate with program leadership regarding resident dietary accommodations, food allergies, religious dietary needs, and special meal requests.
- Train and guide Monitor staff and volunteers in safe food handling, meal preparation, and service procedures to maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
- Communicate regularly with program staff regarding meal schedules, volunteer coverage, inventory needs, and operational concerns, escalating issues promptly to the supervisor or on-call leadership.
- Support emergency shelter operations during severe weather activations, community emergencies, and other agency operational needs.
- Foster a welcoming, respectful, and trauma-informed dining environment for residents while promoting positive interactions among residents, volunteers, and staff.
- Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and sanitation at both sites in accordance with local health regulations.
- Prepare for health inspections and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Participate in staff meetings and training as directed by the supervisor.
- Attend and participate in virtual quarterly meal provider meetings.
- Adhere to Carpenter’s Shelter’s Code of Ethics and SEED Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
REQUIRED:
- High school diploma or GED, or equivalent experience in the food services industry.
- Valid Food Handler Certification recognized by the Virginia Department of Health or an ANSI-accredited program (such as ServSafe or eFoodHandlers).
- 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.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop positive working relationships with volunteers, staff, and residents.
- Reliable, self-motivated, and highly organized with strong time management skills.
- 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:
- Experience working with a diverse population experiencing homelessness.
- Lived experience or direct personal connection to homelessness.
SALARY: $22-25 per hour, plus PTO, Sick Leave and Holidays
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.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
