Cook II

Christ House is a medical respite facility for men experiencing homelessness with acute medical needs in Washington, DC. Patients are admitted to Christ House from area hospitals, shelters, clinics, and medical outreach projects. They suffer from a variety of illnesses and injuries. Our kitchen staff are an integral part of our team serving three healthy, well-balanced meals 365 days a year. Our team aims to serve great food and offer next-level hospitality.

Under the direction of the Culinary Operations and Innovation Manager, the Cook prepares meals in accordance with planned menus and recipes, adhering to food safety and sanitation standards in preparing, serving, and storing food and cleaning the kitchen and dining room. Our ideal candidate is dependable, creative, excited about cooking, motivated to learn, committed to working as a team member, and has excellent communications skills. 

Essential Functions:

Food Preparation

• Prepares meals according to planned menus and recipes under the direction of the Culinary Operations and Innovation Manager.
• Prepares specially requested diets (e.g. pureed, clear liquid, vegetarian, etc.) and alternatives for those with food allergies, as needed.
• Prepares special meals or refreshments for patient activities, holidays, and special events, as needed.

Food Service

• Ensures dining tables are set properly prior to the beginning of meal service.
• Ensures meals are portioned appropriately and are ready to be served by scheduled meal times.
• Creates and fosters an atmosphere of hospitality for patients, residents, volunteers, and staff.

Kitchen Safety & Cleaning

• Maintains the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, dining room, and food storage areas performing regular cleaning tasks as assigned and as needed.
• Cleans and sanitizes all kitchen food preparation and service surfaces at the end of each meal, including range and ovens.
• Ensures dishes, silverware, and cooking utensils are cleaned properly using the commercial dishwasher or thorough hand-washing with proper detergent and sanitizing solutions and dried and re-shelved appropriately following every meal.
• Ensures eating surfaces in the dining room are properly cleaned and sanitized after every meal.

Volunteers

• Provides leadership and supervision to volunteers, ensuring they follow proper food handling practices in the preparation, service, and clean-up of meals.
• Provides constructive feedback, encouragement, and gratitude to volunteers to enhance their experience and foster their continued participation in the volunteer program.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Culinary school, High school diploma or GED.
• Current Food Handler certification required.
• Minimum three (3) years' experience working in the restaurant industry.
• Knowledge of proper food handling and preparation is essential.
• Previous experience working with people experiencing homelessness as well as work with volunteers are highly desirable.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and rotating holidays.
• Ability to perform physical labor or repetitive motions necessary in kitchen operation. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift up to 50lbs. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in English with staff, volunteers, and patients is required. Spanish language skills are a plus.