Cook (Solara House)

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $25 per hour

Cook (Solara House) FT

In-Person Full-Time (40 hours per week) Position in Oakland, CA (Non-Exempt)

Who We Are

Ruby's Place dba Restorative Pathways (RP) is an innovative nonprofit committed to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy and connection. Our services include emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental subsidies, mental health services, substance recovery, and wrap-around services. All our services are trauma-sensitive and client-centered and are provided at no cost to our clients. All programs are low barrier.

RP is led by survivors with a focus on reflection, innovation, and connection. We believe in fostering relationships, both in our direct service work and throughout our internal work culture. We aim to cultivate a workplace that appreciates and emphasizes the voices of those most impacted by violence. We recognize these voices are vital to interrupting the cycle of violence and transforming lives towards safety, unity, and trust.

Who You Are

You have a strong commitment to preventing interpersonal violence as well as an understanding of, and sensitivity to, serving diverse populations. You have excellent interpersonal skills and strong techniques for relationship building. You believe people should determine their own path towards healing, and have an orientation towards survivor-centered services.

You are a go-getter who enjoys fast paced environments. You enjoy working both collaboratively and independently. You are adept at time management and highly organized with a proven ability to ensure you can meet deadlines, plan, organize and execute. You are comfortable working as part of a team and are an accountable collaborator. You excel at organizing, prioritizing, and following through on multiple time-sensitive projects. You are flexible, creative, and take initiative in handling emergencies.

What qualifications are required for this position?

You Are Also:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of experience in food preparation, preferably in residential, shelter, or community-based settings.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Food Handler or Food Safety certification required or willingness to obtain.
• Experience preparing meals for large groups.
• Experience working in shelters, residential programs, or community service environments.

• In possession of a valid CA driver's license, proof of insurance, and be approved by RP insurance as a driver in order to drive agency vehicles. If a staff member cannot be approved by RP insurance as a driver, employment might not be able to continue. Instances where staff cannot be approved to drive will be reviewed on a case by case basis to determine if employment can continue in their role without driving agency vehicles. Items considered include but are not limited to: the shift the staff member holds and the frequency/necessity of driving during that shift, the amount of time before the staff member may be approved to drive by the insurance carrier, the availability of other staff on site to drive agency vehicles as program needs require, etc.
• Able to complete all required background checks. Additional requirements may be deemed necessary, including fingerprinting (Live Scan), completion of all Community Care Licensing (CCL) documents, and ability to meet CCL licensing requirements.

What You Will Do

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving daily meals for participants residing at Solara House. This role ensures meals are nutritious, consistently prepared, and served in accordance with health and safety standards while supporting a welcoming and respectful dining environment. The Cook plays an important role in supporting the overall well-being of participants by maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen operation. This position is responsible for meal preparation, food handling, kitchen cleanliness, and supporting inventory management while working collaboratively with the Kitchen Coordinator and program staff to ensure meal services align with program operations and participant needs.

The ideal candidate has experience preparing meals in a residential or community setting and is able to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism, safety, and consistency.

Responsibilities include

Meal Preparation and Service

• Prepare and serve daily meals for participants residing at Solara House in alignment with established meal schedules.
• Ensure meals are balanced, nutritious, and accommodate basic dietary needs and restrictions when possible.
• Maintain consistency in meal quality, food preparation, and portioning.
• Support a welcoming and respectful meal service environment.

Kitchen Operations

• Support daily kitchen operations under the direction of the Kitchen Coordinator.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment at all times.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and handling procedures in accordance with health regulations.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of food items.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and communicate maintenance or repair needs to the Kitchen Coordinator.

Inventory and Supplies

• Assist with monitoring food inventory and organizing kitchen supplies.
• Support receiving and organizing food deliveries.
• Assist with efforts to minimize food waste and maintain efficient kitchen operations.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Maintain required food safety certifications and follow established kitchen procedures.
• Support readiness for inspections and compliance reviews.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Work closely with the Kitchen Coordinator and program staff to ensure meal services support overall program operations.
• Communicate any challenges related to meal preparation, supplies, or kitchen operations.
• Support a respectful and participant-centered environment during meal service.

• Complete functional timesheets by assigned due dates in compliance with time allocations.
• Actively participate in reflective supervision sessions.
• Create and maintain documentation of processes and procedures related to job duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

This position requires working on-site in a residential shelter environment and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on meal service schedules. The role requires standing for extended periods and the ability to lift and move kitchen supplies as needed. You must be able to stand for long periods of time and perform physical activities, including lifting up to 25 pounds. You will be subject to frequent interruptions and must be able to multitask and handle stress.

Local travel in the greater Bay Area may be required.

Applying

The pay for this role is $25 per hour (non-exempt). The benefits that come with working at RP at full-time hours include medical, dental, and vision plans, a life insurance policy, significant vacation, sick time, restorative care time, and immediate vesting in our 403(b) with a generous match. Applicants must be located in the greater Bay Area.

Preference will be given to internal applicants.

If all this sounds like a good fit for you, please submit your resume and, instead of a traditional cover letter, respond to the following prompts:

• Why do you want to work for RP and why are you a good fit for this role? (200 words max)
• Using the qualifications listed above (under Who You Are section), please list the top 5 qualification(s) that you feel you currently excel in and 2 qualifications you feel you will need to work toward proficiency. Please provide a brief explanation for each (a few sentences).
• What experience do you have preparing meals in a residential, shelter, or community-based setting while maintaining food safety and consistency?