Part-Time Supper Cafeteria Support

About the Role

DREAM, originally founded as Harlem RBI in 1991, serves over 2,500 youth annually across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12 charter schools and community programs. We are committed to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, family engagement, and health and wellness, preparing students for success in and out of the classroom. Our five-year plan aims to expand our impact to serve 3,500 students. DREAM has partnered with Brigaid to launch an in-house food service program in Fall 2023, starting at our South Bronx campus and expanding to two additional locations. This program will serve meals to 1,500 students year-round and provide curated food programs for alumni, families, and the community. The South Bronx campus will also serve as a culinary event space. Part-Time Cooks will work with Brigaid’s Program Chef and kitchen team to execute DREAM’s vision of a best-in-class food and nutrition program, reporting to DREAM’s Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities

• Complete food preparation and basic prep work as directed by the Brigaid Kitchen Manager, including washing, cutting, portioning, and staging ingredients or prepared foods.
• Support meal assembly, plating, packaging, and distribution in accordance with menus, recipes, portion standards, and service plans.
• Serve meals to students and staff in a welcoming, respectful, and efficient manner; help maintain orderly serving and dining areas.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, allergen-awareness, and temperature-control procedures, including HACCP practices and applicable USDA, NYS, and NYC Department of Health requirements.
• Wash dishes, sanitize equipment and surfaces, remove waste, and maintain clean, organized kitchen, storage, serving, and dining spaces throughout the shift.
• Communicate promptly with Brigaid kitchen leadership about supply needs, service issues, student feedback, food quality concerns, or safety risks.
• Support opening and closing routines, including setting up service areas, replenishing supplies, breaking down service, and securing food and equipment.
• Assist with special meals, suppers, community meals, events, and other food service activities as assigned.
• Perform other related duties to support a high-quality, safe, and student-centered food service program.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent, required.
• Prior experience in food service, school food service, hospitality, custodial service, or a related setting preferred; professional cooking experience welcome but not required.
• Ability to follow English-language written and verbal instructions, recipes, portion guidance, and food safety procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Brigaid kitchen staff, DREAM employees, students, families, and school leaders.
• Strong reliability, organization, cleanliness, and attention to detail.
• Commitment to providing respectful, welcoming service to a diverse student and school community.
• Ability to receive feedback, learn new procedures, and adapt to changing schedules or service needs.
• NYC Department of Health Food Protection Certificate preferred; willingness to complete required training before or shortly after starting.
• Commitment to DREAM's mission and belief that all students can succeed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and push supplies and boxes up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand for long periods, bend, kneel, and reach to store/retrieve supplies.
• Occasional exposure to inclement weather.

Working Expectations

The Part-Time Supper Cook will work 1pm-7pm, 5 days per week. The primary location will be our Highbridge site (1162 River Ave, Bronx). Shifts and weekly hours may vary by site, school calendar, and program needs.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching up to 4% after one year of employment (1,000+ hours).
• Disability benefits.
• Referral bonuses.
• Access to Employee Discount Program for travel, entertainment, retail, and more.
• Opportunity to apply for the DREAM Teaching Fellowship for high-performing part-time staff.

Compensation

Competitive compensation commensurate with experience, starting at $18.00/hour with potential for seasonal increases.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our mission. We are committed to building a team that reflects and appreciates the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, ensuring equitable and welcoming practices. We aim to create a world where youth, especially youth of color, have the tools and opportunities to achieve their dreams.

DREAM Maxims

• All Kids Can. This Kid Can.
• DREAM is Family.
• Fun is a Serious Value.
• Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.
• Fail. Persist. Exceed.
• DREAM Big.