Shelter Cook

About the Role

The Line Cook plays a vital role in ensuring that St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County fulfills its mission to serve nutritious meals with dignity to our community. This position supports daily kitchen operations by preparing, cooking, and serving large-scale meals for hundreds of guests each day. The Line Cook works closely with the Head Chef and kitchen team to ensure meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and in accordance with food safety standards while maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment for all community members served.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef with daily meal production for large-scale food service operations.
• Prepare and cook food items according to established recipes and portion guidelines.
• Operate kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, steamers, and stovetops safely and efficiently.
• Set up and maintain assigned cooking stations during meal preparation and service.
• Assist with meal plating and service to ensure meals are served in a timely and organized manner.
• Monitor food quality, taste, and presentation to maintain consistent standards.
• Label, date, and store food items according to food safety guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment in compliance with local health department regulations.
• Assist with receiving and organizing food deliveries and donations as needed.
• Work collaboratively with staff, trainees, and volunteers in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Support efforts to minimize food waste by properly utilizing donated and reclaimed food products.
• Follow all safety procedures related to food handling, equipment operation, and kitchen sanitation.

Requirements

• At least 1 year working in a commercial kitchen, preferably in a high-volume environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs repeatedly, and to work in hot, fast-paced kitchen environments.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (ServSafe certification preferred).
• Ability to follow recipes and verbal instructions accurately.
• Proficiency with Windows, Word, Excel, e-mail, and Web Browser.
• Excellent time and priority management skills.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• ServSafe Food Handler Certification.

Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and willingness to work hard to accomplish difficult goals.
• Complies with written and verbal instruction and willingly performs assigned tasks.
• Accountability to supervisor and to a performance plan.
• Positive attitude and ability to be a positive influence on a team.
• Demonstrates proactivity, flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm.
• Professionalism, maturity, good decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Disciplined self-starter who can set and achieve goals.
• Passion for the mission of a leading human service charity.
• Reliable, dependable, and trustworthy.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English (Spanish a plus).
• Excellent customer service skills for both internal and external customers/stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to serve stakeholders in a professional, welcoming, and efficient manner.
• Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, and growth-oriented environment while maintaining a sense of humor and a positive, solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work well with others, resolve conflict, and avoid difficulties.
• Cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers.
• Attention to detail and excellent administrative and organizational skills.
• Ownership of job’s responsibilities and of accomplishing goals.
• Ability to model highly professional work etiquette.
• Interest in seeking out additional challenges and opportunities.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and self-development.
• Ability to coordinate, manage, develop, and engage volunteers.
• Ability to utilize, engage, and develop others, including volunteers, to work enthusiastically and productively on your team.
• Ability to control unusual situations as they arise without escalating.
• Ability to learn, understand, and model the nine core values promoted at SVdP: Vincentians, Storytelling, Grit, Accountability, Volunteerism, Kindness, Joy, Kaizen, and Engagement.

Schedule

Part-time, regular hours: 4:00pm - 8:00pm.