Kitchen Coordinator - ARCHES Lodge - Day

About the role

MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty. The organization envisions a just future where communities are empowered, respected, and able to achieve positive outcomes. As a Kitchen Coordinator you will join a mission‑driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity, helping the area’s homeless population through food services.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support the program kitchen, including daily meal distribution.
• Purchase, organize, and track supplies; maintain inventory and report needs.
• Schedule, train, and supervise volunteers on food handling, storage, and equipment use.
• Monitor commercial kitchen equipment, check temperatures, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Create menus, prepare, cook, and distribute nutritious food in accordance with food safety rules.
• Conduct inventory of food, serving materials, and storage items; communicate supply needs to the Program Coordinator III or Manager.
• Implement and oversee kitchen policies and procedures; maintain compliance with federal, state, grant, and funding requirements.
• Establish and maintain relationships with social‑service partners, vendors, public health departments, and county officials.
• Promote a safe, healing environment; employ de‑escalation techniques and make quick decisions during client incidents.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and coworkers; attend required annual trainings.
• Comply with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and/or Experience: High school diploma or GED and two years of related experience in community or commissary kitchens, including volunteer coordination and partnership collaboration. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Valid driver’s license, vehicle available for job use, and acceptable DMV record for the past three years.
  • Pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening.
  • Basic Life Support/First Aid certification within 30 days of hire.
  • Food Handler’s Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.
  • ServSafe Food Manager certification or ability to obtain within 60 days.
  • Pass pre‑employment and random drug screenings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness is preferred.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Excellent planning, organization, and time‑management skills.
• Effective oral and written communication abilities.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and empathy when interacting with clients, staff, and partners.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Close vision and ability to focus.
• Use of kitchen equipment such as ranges, ovens, steamers, dishwashers, and utensils.
• Frequent lifting/moving up to 10 lb; occasional lifting/moving up to 50 lb.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs, navigate multiple floors, and walk or stand for extended periods.
• Capability to work outdoors in various weather conditions when driving to agency and community sites.
• Maintain calm disposition and apply crisis‑intervention/de‑escalation techniques during escalated situations.
• Regulate emotions under pressure and manage frequent demands for attention, time, and tasks.
• Independent work in accordance with agency policies and program guidelines.

Work Environment

This on‑site position is not eligible for remote work. The kitchen operates in close quarters with a client population that may include individuals experiencing homelessness, substance‑use disorders, and severe mental illness. The indoor environment experiences frequent interruptions, occasional warm and humid conditions, and variable temperatures. Work may extend beyond normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• 401(k) contribution after one year of service.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Eligibility for company‑sponsored continuing education (for some positions).