Cook
Department: Social Enterprise
Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
Location: Seattle, WA.
Pay Rate: $26.15-$28.28/hour
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
FareStart has been helping people transform their lives through food for 30 years - one person, one job and one community at a time.
People experiencing poverty struggle to escape the cycle they are in and often face other compounding barriers to getting and keeping a job. At FareStart, we help people overcome barriers by teaching work and life skills needed to succeed in employment and in life. By investing in people, providing meals and building community, we transform homelessness, hunger and poverty into human potential.
OUR VISION
Every individual has the opportunity to thrive in an equitable and just world.
OUR MISSION
FareStart transforms lives, disrupts poverty and nourishes communities through food, life skills and job training.
OUR VALUES
- Acceptance: We build relationships based on the belief that the past informs but does not dictate the future.
- Respect: We treat everyone with dignity, regardless of background or differences. We actively listen and seek first to understand. We are honest, even when it is difficult.
- Openness: We create a culture of trust through transparency and open communication. We are open to new ideas.
- Collaboration: Contribute positively to strengthen the organization and our impact through teamwork and through partnerships.
- Accountability: We are responsible to each other, to our community and ourselves. We are committed to rigorous evaluation and making fiscally responsible decisions that align with our mission.
- Inclusion: We provide a community of belonging, regardless of background. We value and seek out diversity.
- Growth: We are a learning organization. We invest in continuous improvement and growth.
ABOUT THE POSITION
This position’s job duties include planning, preparing, and executing meal production, inventory management, and executing menu and recipe standards. This position will work closely with culinary staff and FareStart students and train them in basic food preparation skills.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
- Assist in day-to-day operation of the kitchen, coordinate food production schedules, and ensure the highest level of food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Participate in food preparation, produce food of consistently high quality, taste, and presentation and expedite during peak meal periods as needed.
• Control food costs by utilizing the proper methods of food preparation, handling, and storage.
• Ensure all kitchen employees, students, and volunteers consistently adhere to uniform, grooming, and appearance standards.
• In conjunction with management, maintain goals for the kitchen, anticipate and resolve problems concerning all facets of the kitchen, anticipate trends, and enact approved profit-oriented and cost saving ideas/activities.
• Follow all health department, sanitation and food handling guidelines and report any concerns to management.
• Ensure adherence to recipes and product specifications and train students on new menus.
• Maintain effective communication and working relationship with the kitchen and program staff, be responsive to staff suggestions and concerns, and work to resolve problems.
• Assist with completion of daily food orders based upon projected levels of business.
• Ensure adherence to all food and kitchen safety standards in production, storage, and dishwashing areas.
• Provide hands-on, direct training with students on core kitchen competencies.
• Drive FareStart vans and trucks as needed for deliveries and events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At FareStart, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
• Four (4) or more years of experience in a high-volume kitchen or banquet and catering experience; and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with a five (5) year clean driving record.
• Valid King County Food Handler’s Permit.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety and sanitation principles.
• Demonstrated computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Ability to work with customized databases and technology and to conduct internet research.
• Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with audiences of different backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to listen patiently and attentively, ability to express self clearly and effectively, and the ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity.
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, within diverse teams and environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt communication based on audience and purpose with inclusivity. Ability to disseminate information effectively to appropriate levels.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks and requests and meet deadlines in a professional manner. Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to listen, give and receive feedback in a productive and professional manner. Able to translate vision into planning and implementation.
• Ability to delegate responsibilities, work with others, and coach employees to develop their full potential.
• Ability to employ best practices associated with the position, while displaying an on-going commitment to learning and self-improvement.
• Ability to work a non-standard/flexible schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
- Formal culinary training or equivalent.
• Experience working with people facing, experiencing or overcoming systemic barriers to employment.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• This position is exposed to a typical restaurant kitchen environment, including hot cooking elements and sharp objects.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• This position is regularly required to stand for up to eight (8) hours or more, in close proximity to hot cooking elements.
• This position is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.
• This position requires close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• This position requires repetitive physical work.
• This position may be required to lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds.
• This position may occasionally be required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch.
BENEFIT HIGHLIGHTS
- Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
- Paid time-off
- Paid holidays, including up 2 floating holidays
- 401(k) savings plan with company match
- Medical (including vision), Dental, Disability, and Life Insurance
- Employee discounts at FareStart retail social enterprises
- Employee Assistance Program
- Free ORCA pass
Why Should You Apply?
- Be part of our mission to disrupt poverty.
- Join a supportive, respectful, and celebratory community among our staff, students, board, and volunteers.
- Organizational commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.
- FareStart encourages the personal and professional growth of its employees.
For information on FareStart, including more information on employee benefits and our company culture, visit our website at: www.farestart.org/about
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity
FareStart is committed to becoming a fully inclusive, antiracist, diverse organization. To fulfill our mission, vision, and values we are seeking candidates who demonstrate shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism.
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
FareStart defines antiracism as the clear acknowledgment that racism permeates organizations, communities, and industries, including our own. We recognize that we have a duty to be vigilant in addressing and confronting racism in how we make decisions, show up in our communities, build business practices and policies, and engage in intentional partnerships and philanthropic endeavors to fulfill our mission and vision.
Prior to hire, and only after a conditional offer of employment has been made, a background check including criminal history may be conducted consistent with applicable law, including the Washington State Fair Chance Act. Information obtained from the background check will be considered only as permitted by law and will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. A copy of the Washington State Fair Chance Act information sheet is available here: Washington Fair Chance Act