Cook

Join our dedicated team at the beautiful New Covenant Center, located in the Shippan area of Stamford, CT, as a Per Diem Cook.

This flexible role offers an exciting opportunity to bring your food preparation expertise to a vibrant environment while ensuring nutritious and delicious meals are provided with care and precision.

If you thrive in a fast-paced setting and have a passion for creating wholesome dishes, this position could be a great fit for you.

The Per Diem Cook is responsible for preparing food, or directing its preparation, in compliance with all applicable sanitation, health, and personal hygiene standards. The Cook will also follow established food production programs and procedures.

Accountabilities

• Prepare meals for the soup kitchen when an adequate volunteer group is not scheduled or staff coverage is unavailable.
• Follow proper cooking procedures and prepare food according to applicable food handler guidelines.
• Perform repetitive kitchen and food preparation tasks as required.
• Supervise and educate kitchen volunteers on proper food safety practices, including handwashing and the appropriate use of hairnets, gloves, and aprons.
• Guide kitchen volunteers in meal preparation and meal service responsibilities.
• Orient and support kitchen volunteers during food preparation and cleanup while fostering a pleasant, collaborative, and team-oriented kitchen environment.
• Properly reuse and rotate leftover food in accordance with the First In, First Out, or FIFO, system.
• Ensure all refrigerated food is securely wrapped with cellophane or aluminum foil to preserve sanitation, freshness, and quality.
• Clearly label stored food with the name of the item, the current date, and the final recommended date of use.
• Report food- and kitchen-related concerns to the supervisor.
• Monitor sanitation procedures in accordance with Health Department guidelines.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and ensure all kitchen equipment, including the stove, steamer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave, is cleaned inside and out.
• Ensure food preparation and storage areas are clean, organized, and properly maintained.
• Provide prompt, courteous, and professional service to volunteers and Stamford Family Center guests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess, or be willing and able to obtain, a Connecticut Food Safety Certificate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Interest in working in a soup kitchen environment serving a diverse population with varied needs.
• Empathy for the needs of individuals experiencing hardship, along with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to respond appropriately during emergencies.
• Demonstrated cooking experience using commercial kitchen equipment, including experience with menu planning and preparing meals based on available inventory.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated supervisory skills and experience working in a kitchen environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting and transporting food trays weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and hot kitchen environment.

Qualifications and Characteristics

• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities at the same time.
• Thorough understanding of menu items and food preparation techniques.
• Strong commitment to teamwork.
• Personal commitment to the mission, goals, and objectives of Catholic Charities.

How to Apply

Please submit a letter of interest and résumé to be considered for this position.

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.