Kitchen Steward

Kitchen Steward

Location: Long Island City

Days/Hours: Mondays – Fridays 9 am – 5 pm

Organization Overview: The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to its mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation's preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with over $90 million in annual budget with approximately 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 18,000 people a year. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Position Summary

The Kitchen Steward is a crucial member of our culinary team responsible for maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. This position plays a vital role in supporting the kitchen staff by ensuring the cleanliness of dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. The Kitchen Steward works closely with the culinary team to uphold hygiene and sanitation standards, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the kitchen operations.

Core Competencies

Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune's mission and values and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune's core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Sanitation & Food Safety Compliance: Maintains strict adherence to sanitation standards and food safety regulations, including proper cleaning, sanitizing, and handling of kitchen equipment, utensils, and workspaces. Demonstrates knowledge of health department guidelines and ensures a clean, safe environment for food preparation.

Organization & Workflow Efficiency: Effectively manages dishwashing, equipment storage, and kitchen supply organization to support smooth kitchen operations. Prioritizes tasks, maintains orderly workstations, and ensures tools and equipment are readily available for culinary staff during service.

Team Support & Back-of-House Collaboration: Works closely with chefs, cooks, and foodservice staff to maintain operational flow in the kitchen. Responds quickly to kitchen needs, assists with receiving and stocking supplies, and contributes to a cooperative and efficient team environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect and clean all dishes, pots, pans, and utensils in a timely and efficient manner.
• Operate industrial dishwashers and hand wash items as necessary.
• Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, including refrigerators, ovens, grills, stoves, and preparation surfaces.
• Ensure that all kitchen tools and equipment are in good working condition.
• Execute daily cleaning tasks to maintain a sanitary and orderly kitchen environment.
• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, including proper sanitation of surfaces and storage areas.
• Dispose of kitchen waste and recycling in accordance with established procedures.
• Break down boxes and manage the removal of trash.
• Support kitchen staff in basic food preparation tasks during peak hours.
• Collaborate with chefs and cooks to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Assist in managing and organizing kitchen inventory, including dry goods, utensils, and cleaning supplies.
• Report any shortages or discrepancies to the Kitchen Manager.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organization throughout the kitchen.
• Adhere to safety protocols and guidelines at all times.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff and other team members.
• Collaborate with colleagues to create a positive and efficient work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role is preferred.
• Basic understanding of kitchen operations and equipment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Physical Demands: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.