Head Chef (Food and Nutrition West)

Organization Overview: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults through-out Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families. The Isaacs Center focuses primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Position Summary: We are looking for an experienced and qualified Head Chef to organize the kitchen’s activities. Under the supervision of the Food Service Manager the Head Chef prepares and serves meals and snacks as per a pre-existing menu based on nutritional guidelines. The Head Chef is responsible for and assists in maintaining the kitchen and related facilities and equipment. In addition, the Head Chef will have responsibility for oversight and training of student interns who have expressed an interest in careers in culinary arts.

Schedule: 35 hours per week

Salary: $66,300

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

• Control and direct the food preparation process and any other relative activities
• Construct menus with new or existing culinary creations ensuring the variety and quality of the servings
• Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards
• Plan orders of equipment or ingredients according to identified shortages
• Schedule equipment repairs and follow up as needed
• Provide adaptable solutions for any issues that arise
• In assistance to the Food Service Manager, oversee the work of subordinates to meet expected outcomes efficiently while fostering a climate of cooperation and respect among coworkers
• In the absence of the Food Service Manager, assumes full responsibility for ensuring cooking deadlines are met in accordance with pre-planned menu, daily documentation, and logs completion while maintaining task supervision of kitchen staff, volunteers, and interns
• Assists in the inventory record, and control; and proper maintenance of all food storage areas; complies with first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices
• Assists with deliveries in a timely manner, ensuring proper temp control is maintained; dating and labeling as received; proper stocking and rotation of food and disposables.
• Assists in the maintenance, cleanliness, and sanitization of all refrigeration/freezer units (free-standing and walk-ins), and other kitchen equipment such as steam tables, beverage dispensers, cooking range and ovens, shelves/racks, work surfaces, dishes, utensils, appliances, and storage areas.
• Coordinates, instructs, and facilitates ongoing coaching and training of interns interested in careers in the culinary arts.
• Understand that the above description does not cover all aspects of the role, and further duties can be required as needed.

Qualifications:

• A High School Diploma or GED and 2 years of relevant experience as a Chef
• Possession of a current Food Protection Certificate as issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
• Exceptional proven ability in kitchen management
• Ability to divide responsibilities and monitor progress
• Outstanding communication and leadership skills
• Up-to-date with culinary trends and optimized kitchen processes
• Proficient use of computer programs (MS Office and NYC Simple Serving Database)
• Experience preparing and cooking 2000+ meals
• Experience in cooking to satisfy specific nutrition guidelines
• CPR certified and AED/First Aid Certified or be willing to attend both trainings.
• Able to lift 50 lbs or more and stand for long hours as needed. 
• Ability to multi -task and work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to work some flexible hours (e.g., evenings and weekends)
• Able to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
• Bilingual, English/Spanish or English/Chinese highly preferred.
• Bicultural skills are desirable, but not required

Workplace Safety

• Utilize the provided personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves at all times; use provided hand sanitizer as needed
• Wash hands before the start of the work shift and at the end of the work shift
• Follow established cleaning and sanitization procedures
• Report immediately; personal flu-like symptoms
• Report immediately; personal exposure to others who have exhibited flu-like symptoms

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.