Food Service Specialist

Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen (DESK) seeks an individual to assist our Food Services & Nutrition Manager in planning and preparing up to 300 meals nightly in our commercial kitchen at 266 State Street, New Haven. The Food Services Specialist will also assist in general kitchen facilities management, and work with the Pantry and Dinner Coordinator to distribute meals offsite. The Food Services Specialist must be friendly, courteous, and able to work alongside and direct volunteers. Appropriate candidates will be sensitive to the strains of homelessness and able to work within a community-driven, grassroots environment. Preference will be given to candidates who have

experience working in a commercial kitchen.

Mission & Background Information

DESK serves people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty by providing food assistance and services that promote health, community, and equity. We are located two blocks from the New Haven Green. In addition to our weekly food pantry program and day-program for unhoused individuals, DESK serves a “grab-and-go” dinner four nights per week on the New Haven Green, as well as a sit-down dinner in our Drop-in & Resource Center on State Street (where our kitchen is located). In our efforts to promote internal equity, DESK has built a diverse and inclusive organization; we eagerly consider candidates with diverse work experiences and personal backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged to use the cover letter to highlight how their background will contribute to a more equitable workplace. For more information on our programs, history, and vision, visit us online at deskct.org.

Core Responsibilities

• Kitchen Operations – Assist with kitchen operations, ensuring proper opening and closing procedures,maintenance, and stocking.
• Meal Planning & Preparation – Assist with nightly meal plans, and ensure preparation of food is carried out in an efficient manner adhering to all relevant nutrition and sanitary regulations and standards.
• Meal Distribution – Work with a coordinator to distribute meals to DESK clients offsite and onsite.
• Volunteer Supervision – All DESK staff are required to work closely with individual volunteers and volunteer groups. The Food Services Specialist will, on a daily basis, be assigned volunteers in accordancewith food service needs, and supervise them in predetermined tasks in the kitchen, in the stock rooms, and during meal distribution.

Must-haves

• Culinary skills
• Eagerness and openness to learn
• Friendly & courteous
• Works well under stress
• Good communication skills
• Team player
• Independent troubleshooting skills
• Enthusiasm for mission
• Valid Driver's License

Nice-to-haves

• 2+ years of relevant experience working in a commercial kitchen
• ServeSafe Manager Certificate
• Experience directing volunteers
• Experience providing basic needs
• Spanish proficiency
• New Haven proficiency
• Experience in human services, social services, and/or direct customer service

Not needed

• Experience working in a nonprofit or small business setting
• Administrative skills
• Management experience

Compensation

Starting hourly rate will be $20.45 - $23.21, based on experience and background. Health/life insurance and other benefits are available.

How to Apply

Email a cover letter and résumé to hr at deskct.org with “Food Services Specialist Application” in the subject line.