Food Service

Job Description

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY OF POSITION

Help restore hope and change lives through welcoming service and nourishing meals.

Open Door Mission seeks a dependable, professional team member to prepare and serve meals under the direction of the Food Services Supervisor. You will work alongside staff, program participants, and volunteers to maintain a safe, clean kitchen and provide quality hospitality to our guests.

This is an entry-level position, but reliability, respectful communication, teamwork, and appropriate professional boundaries are essential. The right candidate follows through on responsibilities, accepts direction, and treats others with dignity-even during busy or challenging moments.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals for assigned shifts, following recipes, instructions, and food safety standards.

• Create and complete preparation lists for upcoming meals.

• Work cooperatively with staff, program participants, and volunteers, providing clear task instructions as directed by the supervisor.

• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, including washing dishes and cleaning work areas.

• Properly use, clean, and store kitchen equipment.

• Receive and put away orders and donations using safe food handling and storage practices.

• Assist with menu planning and make effective use of available ingredients, including donated food.

• Communicate promptly with the supervisor about supply needs, safety concerns, and issues affecting meal preparation or service.

• Follow established health and safety requirements, including applicable County Health Department, USDA, and OSHA standards.

• Attend required meetings and training.

• Complete additional related duties as assigned.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• A committed Christian who supports Open Door Mission's ministry and mission of "Restoring Hope and Changing Lives."

• Dependability: Arrive on time, maintain consistent attendance, complete assigned tasks, and promptly communicate scheduling concerns through established procedures.

• Professionalism: Use respectful language, remain composed under pressure, and respond constructively to feedback.

• Teamwork: Share responsibilities, assist coworkers, and follow the supervisor's direction.

• Communication: Listen carefully, ask questions when instructions are unclear, and communicate concerns directly and respectfully.

• Professional boundaries: Maintain appropriate relationships with guests and program participants, protect confidential information, and refer concerns outside your role to the supervisor.

• Accountability: Take responsibility for your work, acknowledge mistakes, and follow through on corrections.

• Knowledge of basic food handling, preparation, and cooking techniques.

• Ability to prepare bulk meals with or without a recipe.

• Willingness to learn and follow kitchen sanitation and safety procedures.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED.

• One year of previous cooking experience required.

• ServSafe certification or completion of a local health department sanitation course preferred.

• Additional coursework in food service or culinary arts is helpful but not required.

BENEFITS & WORKPLACE PERKS

• Free meals while working.

• Paid time off and paid sick leave, according to applicable policies and eligibility.

• Training and opportunities to develop new skills.

• Meaningful work supporting individuals and families in our community.

EQUIPMENT & TOOLS

Commercial kitchen equipment, including dishwashers, slicers, mixers, ovens, steamers, grills, fryers, and ice machines; computers and phones.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applications are reviewed. If your qualifications match our needs, we will contact you by phone to discuss next steps.

As a courtesy to our staff and to allow time for application review, please do not call or visit in person to inquire about your application or request a status update. Thank you for your interest and understanding.

Open Door Mission requires verification of employment history for the past five years before an offer can be made. Applicants must provide employer names, employment dates, and contact information for all positions held during that period.