Chef Assistant

Come join a team that makes a difference in the lives of Maine's aging and disabled adults!

Spectrum Generations is a fast-growing non-profit organization that is committed to promoting and advancing the wellbeing and independence of older and disabled adults to live in their community of choice. The agency is one of five federally designated Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) in Maine. As the regional AAA in Central Maine, Spectrum Generations serves as a primary resource for education, information, and guidance for seniors, disabled adults and caregivers.

Purpose

This position assists the Sous and Executive Chefs in daily operations of the kitchen/dining room. The Chef's Assistant performs responsible and skilled work involved with the preparation and cooking of a wide variety of foods for Meals on Wheels, Social Dining, ADCSS clients and events. The position is required to collaborate with other kitchen personnel/volunteers and assist in maintaining proper food safety, sanitation, and cost and quality standards. Work is usually performs under the general direction of the Sous Chef, however the Chef's Assistant takes over in his/her absence, and at times will fill in for the Sous Chef.

The ideal candidate will have a good attitude and be able to work with volunteers in a busy environment and be able to adapt to task changes quickly.

Duties

• Supervises and participates in the preparation of a wide variety of foods/menu items, coordinating service activities to have meals prepared at scheduled times.
• Adheres to Maine State Food Code, Nutrition Standards as outlined in the Older American’s Act Chapter 6 Section 5, and Maine Nutrition Guidelines as provided by the Office of Aging and Disability Services.
• Estimates food needs, reviews inventory to assure that adequate supplies are available.
• Supervises storage and use of leftover and uncooked foods.
• Inspects, supervises and participates in the cleaning of kitchens.
• Maintains records of foods/menus, temperatures, and work schedules.
• Is visible to the consumers and volunteers - answers questions and appropriately responds to concerns.
• Responsible for opening and securing the kitchen and dining facilities when the Sous Chef and Executive Chef are absent.
• Works collaboratively with catering staff. At times will lead and participate in the execution of catering functions in the absence of catering staff.

Education/Training/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required, culinary training preferred.
• 2 years Experience in a commercial foodservice setting, where quantity cooking is the focus
• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail and able to work under pressure
• Self-motivated, strong verbal and written skills
• ServSafe Certification required or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Physical Demands

Physically able to: stand for long periods of time, bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, twist, turn, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds. Withstand work environment present in a standard kitchen/dining environment: varying temperatures and noise levels, working around stoves/hot water, sharps/knives & slicers, exposed to cleaning chemicals and must wear all protective equipment and require that others do also.

Spectrum Generations is fully committed to ensuring equal opportunity and equal consideration to all applicants and employees in the recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, transfer, layoff, or termination of employment and all other terms and conditions of employment. Accordingly, the terms and conditions of employment will be based on an applicant’s qualifications, relevant experiences, job performance, conduct, and competence. No applicant for employment or current employee will be treated less favorably than other employees or applicants by reason of race, color, religion, gender, national origins, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, military status, or any other status protected by law.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Shift:

• Day shift

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Hallowell, ME: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person