Do you believe food is more than just a meal—it’s connection, comfort, and community?
At FPTV, meals are a central part of daily life at our shelter. They bring people together, create consistency, and offer a sense of care and dignity. As our Food Services Specialist, you’ll play a key role in making that happen—supporting kitchen operations, preparing meals for large groups, and supporting volunteers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
This is a hands-on role. One moment you might be coordinating a full meal service for 50+ people, the next you’re training volunteers, adjusting recipes based on available ingredients, or helping organize pantry distribution. It’s equal parts cooking, coordination, support, and problem-solving.
If you enjoy high-volume cooking, supporting others, and being part of something meaningful—this might be the role for you.
Why FPTV?
- Comprehensive Benefits: FPTV understands the importance of employee well-being. That’s why we offer a generous, employer-assisted benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance, along with a 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Work-Life Balance: We value our employees’ time and prioritize a healthy work-life balance. New hires receive 2 weeks (80 hours) of paid time off (PTO) during their first year, which increases to 3 weeks (120 hours) in year two and continues to grow based on tenure. In addition, all employees receive 3 paid sick days annually—available for use starting on day one—and 11 paid holidays, plus a personal health and wellness day. Hourly employees also receive a paid 30-minute lunch break, allowing for a true 8-hour workday.
- Family-Friendly Policies: We know life doesn’t stop when the workday begins. FPTV is a family-friendly organization that supports personal and family commitments—and yes, we’re dog-friendly too! You’ll often spot four-legged friends at the shelter spreading joy. That said, pups are only allowed in roles and spaces that safely accommodate them—typically private offices or those with a door to close... just in case your dog sees something very exciting (never happens, right?).
- Continuous Learning and Growth: Join a team that values growth and ongoing learning. At FPTV, we believe that by supporting one another’s development, we can more effectively serve families and advocate for lasting change in housing equity.
- Equity and Inclusion: FPTV is committed to building an inclusive workplace where all voices are respected and valued. We actively engage with diverse communities and work to evolve our practices through listening, learning, and implementing community-centered solutions.
About Us:
FPTV is a small, non-profit organization dedicated to serving families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Washington County. Our experienced and diverse team brings their best selves to work each day, alongside those we serve. Together, we advocate for systemic change and work tirelessly to create a better life for people impacted by the trauma of homelessness.
Join Us:
If you're passionate about making a difference and want to work with a team that values compassion, integrity, and collaboration, then FPTV is the place for you. Our values are more than words—we embody them daily through our actions, our relationships, and the care we provide to our guests and one another.
At FPTV, we offer more than just a job—we offer a fulfilling career enriched with meaningful work, a supportive and inclusive environment, and a commitment to your growth and well-being.
Apply now to be part of something truly meaningful.
Want to Know More, Keep Reading!
The Food Services Specialist is a hands-on role responsible for supporting daily kitchen operations at our shelter.
You’ll work closely with the Food Services Manager to:
- Prepare high-quality meals for large groups (50+ servings)
- Coordinate meal timing, service, and presentation
- Support food pantry distribution for resident families
- Provide guidance and support to volunteers in kitchen and pantry operations
- Assist with inventory, donations, and kitchen organization
This role also supports continuity of operations when the Food Services Manager is unavailable.
You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to menu planning, adapt meals to meet dietary needs, and help improve kitchen workflows over time.
What You’ll Be Doing
● Support High-Volume Meal PreparationPrepare and coordinate meals for large groups, managing multiple dishes while maintaining quality and timing.
● Support Kitchen Operations Keep daily service running smoothly—balancing prep, cooking, and service in a fast-paced environment.
● Train & Support VolunteersProvide clear direction, coaching, and support to volunteers to create a positive, inclusive kitchen environment.
● Maintain Food Safety StandardsFollow all food safety and sanitation practices, including proper storage, temperature checks, and equipment use.
● Assist with Inventory & Donations Help track inventory, organize supplies, receive donations, and support waste reduction efforts.
● Support Daily Operations Help maintain consistency in kitchen and pantry operations when the Food Services Manager is not on-site.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; completion of a culinary arts program, technical school, or formal culinary training strongly preferred
- 2+ years of experience in a high-volume, commercial, or institutional kitchen, including batch cooking and/or catering for 50+ servings at a time
- Proven ability to scale recipes, coordinate multiple menu items, and deliver consistent results across large-scale meal service
- Experience providing direction or support to others in a kitchen environment, with the ability to guide and support volunteers, prep staff, or line cooks
- Proficiency in a wide range of cooking methods and techniques, including knife skills, sautéing, baking, batch cooking, and cold food preparation
- Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices, including HACCP or ServSafe standards
- Ability to manage multiple menu items or stations simultaneously while maintaining timing, quality, and presentation
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with a diverse, volunteer-driven team
- Willingness and availability to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a company vehicle (including a van) as needed for program operations
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in a nonprofit, shelter, or trauma-informed environment
- Experience adapting meals for dietary needs and restrictions
- Inventory or food management experience
- Bilingual (Spanish or other languages)
Pay Scale: $21-25/hr., DOE
Work Hours: This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position. The role is expected to operate on a 5-day work week initially, with a strong possibility of transitioning to a 4-day, 10-hour schedule (Tuesday–Friday) as program needs evolve.
Typical hours will fall between 11:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., depending on service needs. Occasional adjustments to schedule may be required to support special events, volunteer activities, or other program needs. The specific work schedule will be determined collaboratively between the employee and manager upon hire.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Physical Demands:
This position operates in a commercial kitchen environment and requires the ability to stand for extended periods, bend, reach, stoop, and move throughout the kitchen and service areas. Frequent use of hands and arms is required to operate kitchen equipment, prepare meals, and handle utensils, food items, and cleaning tools. The role requires the ability to lift and carry items up to 50 pounds, including food boxes, pots, and supplies. Visual acuity is necessary to monitor food quality, read labels, and safely use kitchen tools. Hearing and verbal communication skills are required for effective coordination with team members and volunteers. Consistent and reliable attendance is essential to meet the operational needs of the role.
Work Environment:
This position operates in a busy commercial kitchen with exposure to heat from ovens, stovetops, and hot pans, as well as cold environments such as refrigerators and freezers. Employees may encounter sharp utensils, cleaning agents, and moderate noise levels. The role involves working around others in close proximity and maintaining awareness of safety hazards. Some duties may require occasional attendance at off-site events or community activities. While most work occurs during standard business hours, occasional evening or weekend shifts may be required to support special events, volunteer activities, or operational needs.
Family Promise of Tualatin Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer, deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, both in our hiring practices and in experiences as a FPTV employee. We strive to create a mindful and respectful environment where everyone can bring their authentic self to work and experience a culture that is free of harassment, racism, and discrimination.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- AD&D insurance
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Loan forgiveness
- Mileage reimbursement
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid holidays
- Paid orientation
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- If offered the position, when would you be able to start?
- Do you have a valid driver’s license and are you comfortable driving a company vehicle, including a van, as part of this role?
- Briefly describe your experience preparing meals in a high-volume kitchen (50+ servings).
- Tell us about your experience working alongside others in a kitchen environment, including any experience supporting volunteers, prep staff, or team members.
- Do you have experience with food safety and sanitation practices (such as ServSafe or HACCP)?
(Optional: Please list any certifications.)
- This role involves regularly working with volunteers of varying experience levels. Which best describes your comfort level working in that type of environment?
*Very comfortable
*Somewhat comfortable
*Not comfortable
- This is a full-time (40 hours/week) role that will initially operate on a 5-day schedule, with a strong possibility of transitioning to four 10-hour days (Tuesday–Friday). Are you able to meet these scheduling expectations?
- What are your pronouns?
- What is your desired salary?
- What interests you about working in a nonprofit homeless shelter environment, and what motivated you to apply for this position?
Work Location: In person
