Position Summary:
The Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for preparing nutritious and appealing meals for adolescent residents in a safe, supportive residential environment, ensuring compliance with Joint Commission standards and Department of Public Health regulations. This role ensures that meals meet dietary guidelines, accommodate special needs, and contribute to a positive mealtime experience that supports the health and well-being of residents.
Responsibilities:
- Plan menus and prepare all daily meals, serving, lunch, and snacks, and provide guidance to program staff for dinner preparation, all in accordance with nutrition standards and program guidelines.
- Accommodate special dietary needs, food allergies, and cultural or religious preferences.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen, adhering to all sanitation, health, and safety regulations.
- Monitor food inventory for frozen, refrigerated and dry stores; order supplies and manage kitchen equipment responsibly, maintaining cost control and adherence to the approved budget.
- Collaborate with program staff to schedule meals and ensure timely service.
- Teach basic nutrition and healthy eating habits when appropriate.
- Follow all policies and procedures to maintain a safe and supportive residential environment.
- Assist with kitchen-related events or educational activities for residents as needed.
- Follow dietary guidelines, update the dietary manual in consultation with the nutritionist, and adapt menus to meet the needs of residents.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training preferred.
- Previous cooking experience in residential, institutional, or nonprofit settings preferred.
- Knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and sanitation practices.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and residents in a supportive, trauma-informed environment.
- Must possess a current ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification (or equivalent food safety certification).
Working Conditions:
- Standing for extended periods and performing physical tasks such as lifting and carrying food supplies.
- Exposure to hot kitchen equipment.
- Interaction with adolescent residents in a residential therapeutic setting.
Core Competencies:
- Attention to detail and commitment to food quality and safety.
- Patience, empathy, and ability to work effectively with adolescents.
- Reliability, teamwork, and a positive attitude in a residential program environment.
- Maintain confidentiality
Salary and Benefits:
- $22.00 an hour
- Accrue 240 hours of time off (equivalent of 6 weeks)
- Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Retirement Plan
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Can you work Mon-Fri 6am-2pm?
Experience:
- Kitchen: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
Ability to Commute:
- Bethlehem, CT 06751 (Required)
Work Location: In person
