Kitchen Coordinator - ARCHES Lodge - Day - Part Time

OUR MISSION: MWVCAA invests in people and their futures to reduce the impacts of poverty.

OUR VISION: We envision a just future, where our communities are empowered to reach positive outcomes and everyone is respected for their infinite worth.

Working at MWVCAA means becoming part of a mission‑driven community dedicated to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support the program kitchen that provides food services for the area’s homeless population.
• Facilitate daily meal distribution, purchase and organize supplies, track inventory, and report findings.
• Schedule, train, and supervise volunteers on food handling, storage, and kitchen equipment use.
• Establish and maintain relationships with social service partners, vendors, distributors, public health departments, and county officials.
• Monitor commercial kitchen equipment, regularly check temperatures, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
• Create menus, prepare, cook, and distribute nutritious food in accordance with safety codes.
• Conduct inventory of food, serving materials, and storage supplies; communicate supply needs to program leadership.
• Assist in implementing and overseeing all kitchen policies and procedures.
• Maintain full compliance with federal, state, grant, and funding requirements; uphold high service quality standards.
• 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

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years related experience working in community/commissary kitchens, including coordination with volunteers and community partners (program compliance, volunteer training and oversight, social service collaboration).
• Equivalent combination 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 previous three years.
• Pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification required within the first 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 (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.
• Demonstrates tact, diplomacy, and empathy when communicating with clients, staff, and program partners.

Schedule

Day Shift. Part Time, up to 19 hours per week. Flexibility Required.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Close vision and ability to focus.
• Use of kitchen equipment (range, oven, steamer, dishwasher, utensils).
• Frequent lifting/moving up to 10 lb; occasional lifting/moving up to 50 lb.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs safely and repeatedly; navigate multiple floors.
• Standing or walking for extended periods; navigating uneven ground.
• Reaching or extending to access materials or equipment.
• Frequent driving in all weather conditions to agency and community sites in Polk and Marion counties.
• Maintain calm disposition during escalated situations; apply crisis intervention and de‑escalation techniques.
• Regulate emotions under pressure and during frequent demands for attention, time, and tasks.
• Proceed independently in accordance with agency and program policies, guidelines, and initiatives.

Work Environment

• On‑site work; not eligible for remote work.
• Close quarters with client population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe mental illness.
• Indoor environment with frequent interruptions and demands; occasionally warm, humid, and temperature‑varying.
• May require work outside normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.