Cook - BHBH

Cook - BHBH

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Working under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, the Cook is responsible for maintaining a clean kitchen while prepping, cooking, and providing meals for Housing Matters residential participants. The ideal candidate will be able to work alongside volunteers and be immersed in the day-to-day operations of running an institutional kitchen while practicing safe food handling standards and procedures. This position may require travel between the Housing Matters main campus kitchen and the Housing Matters Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) kitchen.

Hours and Benefits:

• The Cook is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position, eligible for medical, dental, vision, 403b, and our generous PTO plan.

Benefits Summary: 

Regularly scheduled shifts will be Friday through Tuesday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Occasional holidays may be required. 

Starting Wages (Offer is Dependent on Experience):

$23.00   $23.69   $24.40   $25.13   $25.88   $26.66

Preferred Experience/ Education Requirements:

*Candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage large-batch meal production and kitchen safety.

Special Requirements:

• Regular standing, walking, sitting, crouching, stooping, and communication are required. 
• Requires manual dexterity for regular repetitive finger motion and frequent reaching, pulling, pushing, and lifting objects and operating equipment. 
• Requires the ability to lift 60 lbs. 
• Must be ServSafe certified 
• In possession of current/valid Driver’s License to perform duties essential to the position.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to answer emails and utilize basic Google Suite and Microsoft Office platforms 

Thorough knowledge of:

• Properly operating kitchen equipment
• Kitchen cleaning and safety procedures 
• Kitchen organizational skills
• Food Handling 
• Customer service skills

Typical Job Duties:

• Preparing, cooking, and serving meals. Food prepared must meet quality and Serve-safe standards for taste, temperature (doneness), and visual appeal.
• Use all equipment in a safe manner according to proper procedures – stove, title skillet, kettle, convection ovens, can openers, knives, steam tables, ice wands, trash compactor, carts).
• Wash dishes and kitchen equipment. 
• Taking inventory and checking orders that arrive from the warehouse; organizing storage.
• Following opening and closing procedures.
• Maintaining and following cleaning and sanitizing protocols to ensure a safe environment.
• Supporting shelter programs and day services; may occasionally be asked to assist with sanitizing showers in the event of staff shortage. 
• Other duties as assigned 
• Travel between the HM campus kitchen and the HM Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) kitchen, when assigned to do so.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer-related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non-merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment; advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.