Agency Overview:
Established in 1993, Operation Dignity is a nonprofit organization providing housing and supportive services for homeless veterans, veteran families, and homeless populations in Alameda County. Operation Dignity operates emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing programs in Alameda, Berkeley, and Oakland. Operation Dignity supports veterans to address the wounds of war that continue long after their return to civilian life.
The Cook position is located at the House of Dignity in Oakland, CA. The House of Dignity is a 58-bed emergency and transitional shelter providing a safe and supportive environment for homeless veterans to regain their dignity and transform their lives.
Position Responsibilities:
- Prepare, cook, and serve nutritious and healthy meals for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner.
- Assist lead cook, other staff, and volunteers in meal preparation.
- Prepare food by washing, peeling, cutting, seasoning, making juice, and cooking meals. Prepare meals for the next shift.
- Ensure that residents receive prompt and courteous meal service.
- Assure that all meal deadlines are met.
- Maintain a safe and hygienic environment when cooking, serving meals, and storing food, in accordance with industry standards and safety regulations.
- Ensure that the kitchen is well-maintained and up to code for VA inspections.
- Meet the personal sanitation and hygiene standards for the cook position at all times, including using hairnets and regular handwashing.
- Inventory and order food supplies for resident meals, including plates, silverware, cups, pots, and pans.
- Ensure kitchen and eating area is clean and sanitized at all times, including tables, cooking surfaces, floors, sinks, refrigerator, and oven.
- Go to the food bank to pick up food supplies, when requested by or in the absence of the Lead Cook.
- Organize pantry and dry goods storage.
- Ensure that all residents sign in prior to meal service.
- Ensure that food is served at the right temperature.
- Label food and ensure that all meats, vegetables, cheese, and milk are stored at the proper temperature.
- Manage residents’ community service hours in the kitchen.
- Write up kitchen-related incident reports, such as workplace injuries, challenging interactions with residents, faulty equipment, and repair/work orders.
- Responsible for securing the kitchen after meal service and clean-up.
- Return keys to booth staff.
- Other duties, as assigned.
Working Hours:
One position is Wednesday through Sunday, with the hour’s breakdown as: Wed 10-6.30, Thurs 10-6.30, Friday 10-6.30. Saturday & Sunday is 8.30-5.30
The other position is Saturday through Wednesday with the schedule break of: Saturday & Sunday 8-5 Monday Tuesday & Wednesday 10-6.30 pm
Skills and Abilities:
- At least two years of cooking experience that demonstrates knowledge and successful performance of required responsibilities.
- Food Handler Certificate required.
- Culinary certificate or degree preferred.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality with residents, with a focus on kitchen and meal duties.
- Ability to remain calm and juggle multiple priorities at the same time.
- Ability to read and understand written and verbal instruction.
- Demonstrated communication skills that promote teamwork in the kitchen.
- Ability to perform physically demanding activities, including lifting a minimum of 30 pounds.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative on behalf of clients.
- CPR Certified.
- California Driver License with clean driving record.
- Must be dedicated to serving the veteran community with compassion, patience, and kindness.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to frequently go up and down stairs.
- Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods as required to perform essential job functions.
Operation Dignity is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- We appreciate your interest in joining our team! Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we’re only able to contact candidates whose qualifications best match the requirements of the position. If you meet the qualifications, we will be in touch to discuss next steps. Thank you for your understanding.
- Please ensure that you submit a cover letter with three references (two supervisors and one character reference) in order to be considered for this position.
Work Location: In person
