Shelter Kitchen & Facilities Associate

Shelter Kitchen & Facilities Associate- (Full Time)

Vera House, Inc. is a human service agency that provides unconditional care for individuals and families through comprehensive domestic and sexual violence prevention and intervention services. We believe in collectively serving members of the community and creating an environment of accountability for our services. We strive to provide our employees with flexible schedules, when possible, a level of autonomy to complete their work, and a culture of belonging.

POSITION SUMMARY:

In this role, the Shelter Kitchen & Facilities Associate will provide support with the daily operations of the Vera House shelter facility by preparing and serving meals, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, cleaning and maintaining the shelter facilities to ensure a safe, and welcoming environment for all residents. During the shift, there will be travel throughout the area for client transport, and other shelter needs utilizing the shelter vehicles. This position will require knowledge of trauma informed care, to respond appropriately to emergency situations, manage difficult and/or emotional client situations and work effectively in a crisis setting with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other violent trauma. The ideal candidate will be dependable, reliable, and possess the ability to adapt to demanding situations and work well under pressure, demonstrate an aptitude for completion of tasks, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. They will work respectfully with shelter staff, volunteers, and visitors, with the ability to develop a positive, compassionate rapport with shelter residents, while embracing the Vera House mission.

The shift available is as follows:

Mon-Fri 7am-3pm

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to planned menus, following all food safety standards.
• Wash dishes, sanitize kitchen equipment, and keep food preparation areas clean.
• Collaborate with Shelter leadership to purchase and maintain supplies.
• Receive, store, and rotate food supplies following proper food handling and agency procedures.
• Clean and maintain common shelter areas, bathrooms, offices, and resident spaces.
• Prepare rooms for new residents and assist with room turnover to ensure a welcoming environment.
• Empty trash, and recycling containers and restock cleaning supplies.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, and reporting repair needs to the appropriate staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations as required by the Agency's standards.
• Assist with response to the 24-hour crisis line during working hours as needed.
• Maintain client database consistent with Vera House practices.
• Support needs during emergency or deep-cleaning situations, special events, inspections, and donation deliveries.
• Maintain strong professional boundaries, limited to the extent of professional relationships, ensuring compliance, ethical and appropriate interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support shelter operations, resident services, and facility needs.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1-2 years' experience working in human services setting preferred.
• Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence including elder abuse a plus.
• Experience in food service, housekeeping, with knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices is an asset.
• Ability to stand, bend, lift/move/operate tools, furniture, and equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Prompt response to crisis as well as thorough and consistent follow up.
• Good interpersonal, oral communication and written skills, with moderate Microsoft Office Suite knowledge.
• Experience with demonstrated crisis intervention techniques and ability to provide trauma informed services.
• Ability to multitask and work independently, with strong organizational and time management skills, while maintaining a team player approach.
• Capability to adapt to demanding situations and work well under pressure.
• Must possess a valid New York State Driver's License to transport clients in a company vehicle.
• Completion of a satisfactory background check.

SALARY RANGE:

$22.00 - $23.00 hourly (non-exempt)

Vera House provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.