Position Summary:
The Cook is responsible for preparing meals that are nutritionally balanced and appealing in 24/7 interim housing for persons who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence and homelessness. The Cook works in conjunction with the Food Service Lead to ensure the efficient operation of the food service department and ensure compliance with sanitation regulations. Residents are traumatized both by the (IPV) they experienced, and the sudden experience of homelessness. Families may also have unrelated trauma experiences from their lives. The Cook must be comfortable engaging traumatized people in a sensitive manner and must be comfortable working in a Voluntary Services program model.
This position works a set schedule that includes some weekends and holidays. Flexibility to cover off schedule shifts is expected up to 10% of the time. This position is based at the House of Ruth (HRM) Emergency Shelter location in Baltimore City and is 100% in person. This position is an essential staff position and is expected to report in weather emergencies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Prepares assigned meals. Makes good use of donated commodities in effort to cut agency cost.
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Serves meals, ensuring proper food handling procedures.
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Creates a welcoming environment for traumatized individuals and their children. Interacts in a friendly, helpful manner with residents.
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Informs Food Service Manager of food and related supply needs to ensure sufficient inventory for daily and weekly consumption.
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Assists in the development of menus that ensure meals are nutritionally balanced and meet MSDE grant requirements.
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Follows routines and schedules that ensure kitchen meets Health department regulations and agency standards of proper sanitation.
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Implements system developed by Food Service Manager to ensure prepared frozen meals and other commodities are available for hotel program participants and for use in an emergency.
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Rotates food inventory as necessary to ensure freshness and quality.
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Responds to request for food commodities for clients who do not reside in shelter as well as requested from staff for food for volunteers and meetings.
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Prepares late plates and bag lunches as necessary.
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Washes pots, pans, and other cookware used in the preparation of meals; leaves kitchen clean and sanitized at end of shift.
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Demonstrates positive customer service and conflict resolution behavior.
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Monitors and maintains food storage area in a clean and organized fashion, consistent with Health Department regulations and agency standards.
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Stocks shelter pantry with donated items.
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Drives agency van to pick up food donations.
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Reports maintenance and safety hazards to maintenance personnel. Conducts follow up with maintenance personnel to ensure repairs are made.
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Intervenes in urgent threats to harm of self or others through calling appropriate Emergency Response Personnel.
- Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Experience, Education, Certifications/Licenses
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At least six months experience in commercial food preparation demonstrating competence in proper food handling and preparation.
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Sanitation Certificate as required to meet Baltimore City and State of Maryland food preparation and sanitation regulations. Must be received within six months of taking position.
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Excellent customer service skills, with a strong ability to relate to a diverse range of individuals.
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Ability to work in a fast paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
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Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
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Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Highly Preferred Skills include:
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Experience with food preparation for a residential facility.
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Experience with conflict resolution/ mediation.
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Ability to understand intimate partner violence and how it affects the client population.
House of Ruth Maryland offers a comprehensive Total Rewards Package that includes but is not limited to medical insurance, prescription plan, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, life insurance, 403(b) retirement savings plan, and Employee Assistance Program.
House of Ruth Maryland upholds the mission of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment and will not be excluded because of color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or age.
At least six months experience in commercial food preparation demonstrating competence in proper food handling and preparation.
