Assistant Chef

Community Partners in Action (CPA) is a nonprofit organization that works with adults and youth throughout Connecticut, supporting the transition from life in the criminal justice system to life in the community. Our commitment to ensuring participants have the right to work; the right to an adequate standard of living including food, clothing, and housing; the right to physical and mental health services; and the right to education has never wavered since our founding in 1875. As an employee working in one of the following programs you will have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of the adults and youth in our care and create a safer, and more integrated society: Holistic alternatives to incarceration, reentry services, community service, transitional housing, residential supervision of adults and youth and a prison arts program. Annually serving over 4,000 participants, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from state and federal grants, individual donors and organizational funders. Join us in the belief that people deserve a second chance. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion We strive to build and maintain an inclusive, equitable workplace where people of all races, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds feel like they belong. The majority of our staff are diverse and close to half of our Board of Directors are people of color. We are equally compelled to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our committment here. Benefits & Professional Development Community Partners in Action offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, a 401(k) program, in addition to professional development and career opportunities. Employees must work a minimum of 25 hours per week and have been with CPA for at least 60 days to qualify. CPA is An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affimative Action. Assistant Chef: REGIONS-Staff Secure Residential Treatment Program for Male Youth, Hartford, CT COMPENSATION: $23.66/Hour SHIFT: Tuesday – Saturday 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM AGENCY DESCRIPTION One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses. CPA is guided by our BEDI ( B elonging, E quity, D iversity, and I nclusion) culture. WE ARE COMMITTED to building and maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and COMPELLED to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our BEDI culture at PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The REGIONS Staff Secure Program is a residential treatment program for up to 8 male youth. The mission of the program is to provide a home-like environment with a DBT trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-specific, linguistically appropriate, strengths-based, and relationship-driven milieu for the youth to help them improve their social, physical and emotional well-being. Our vision is to therapeutically intervene in the cycle of offending to reduce the youth’s risk factors and prevent them from transitioning into the adult justice system. Our treatment philosophy is one that is individualized, designed to help the youth develop a positive self-image, learn effective coping skills, experience success, gain confidence, build positive relationships, achieve behavioral changes and re-enter their communities better equipped to succeed. The youth in this program may have a high violence risk but it is not likely to be chronic and/or had later onset. The youth are not likely to have a history of violence nor be at risk for future violence. They are at a reduced risk to public safety and if they AWOL their behavior is not likely to involve violence or public safety risk. The youth in the REGIONS Staff Secure Program are amenable to treatment. What CPA Brings to the Table A culture of belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion for all employees Medical and Dental insurance through Cigna 401k Eligibility after 60 Days of Employment Life Insurance, Short and Long Term Disability at NO cost to you Generous Vacation, Personal, and Sick Time 13 Paid Holidays A commitment to employee health & wellness The opportunity to make a difference and be a part of a team dedicated to systemic change and criminal justice reform POSITION REQUIREMENTS The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED. At least one year of experience with food ordering and meal preparation in a group setting. Possess a clear understanding of the State of Connecticut’s food service regulations and experience in meeting all Department of Health regulations. Must be a certified Qualified Food Operator or able to qualify, and able to instruct all staff in food preparation. Capacity to provide vocational training to program youth. Ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; decision making, communication, interpersonal and organizational/ prioritization skills. Adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness and emotional intelligence. Must share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity to succeed. Must have and maintain a valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation. Willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. RESPONSIBILITIES Assist Chef in planning and preparing approximately 200 healthy and home-like meals daily. As requested, assist with inventory and preparing food orders. Follow dietary guidelines as determined by licensed dietician. Maintain sanitation in accordance with agency specifications and the Health Department. Monitor Fire Safety Standards in accordance with local and state law. Provide vocational training to youth on food service and safe food handling procedures. Comply with all program policies and procedures. Establish and maintain professional boundaries with all staff and youth. Serve as a role model to youth and staff modeling pro-social behavior. Participate in all required training. Perform all other duties as required. An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affimative Action #J-18808-Ljbffr