Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Professional development opportunities
Retirement Plan
Employee wellness programs
Community involvement initiatives
Job Description
The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is a prominent community organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Jews in Rhode Island, Israel, and around the world through philanthropy, education, wellness, and community engagement. With a strong foundation built on core values such as tzedakah (righteous giving and justice), l'dor v'dor (ensuring the continuity of Jewish heritage), tikkun olam (repairing the world), hineni (standing with others), klal Yisrael (supporting worldwide Judaism and Israel), and Torah (knowledge and lifelong learning), the Alliance acts as a unifying hub that convenes agencies, synagogues, and organizations to address critical social and cultural issues. This inclusive and diverse organization fosters a spirit of community and support, advocating for social justice and educational advancements while ensuring a nurturing environment for all members.
The Chef role at the Jewish Alliance is pivotal to the overall health and wellbeing of children and staff in the Youth and Family Programs, including early childhood center and summer camp settings. This full-time, non-exempt position centers on preparing and serving attractive, nutritionally balanced meals that adhere to state and federal standards such as those mandated by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) childcare licensing. The Chef is responsible not only for meal preparation but also for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, including maintaining strict temperature controls, sanitation protocols, and allergen management, specifically following kosher dietary laws and school food policies within a nut-free environment.
In this highly responsible role, the Chef creates monthly home-style menus that meet nutritional guidelines and kosher rules, catering to diverse dietary needs while supporting children with allergies and special dietary accommodations. Beyond food preparation, the Chef manages inventory, orders supplies, tracks food costs, and supervises kitchen staff when necessary. Catering services for various Alliance events and staff programs are also within the scope of this position. The position demands a dedicated professional with strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with program staff, families, and children, ensuring seamless allergy emergency action plans and comprehensive documentation.
This role requires a ServSafe Manager certification prior to hire and recertification every three years, CPR and First Aid certifications or willingness to obtain them within 30 days, and at least 20 hours of annual professional development as per DHS regulations. Candidates with an associate's degree in food service, culinary arts, or nutrition—or equivalent experience—are preferred. Physical stamina is necessary as the position involves lifting up to 50 pounds and extended standing periods. The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is committed to equal employment opportunity, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds and ensuring a discrimination-free workplace consistent with federal, state, and local laws.
The Chef role at the Jewish Alliance is pivotal to the overall health and wellbeing of children and staff in the Youth and Family Programs, including early childhood center and summer camp settings. This full-time, non-exempt position centers on preparing and serving attractive, nutritionally balanced meals that adhere to state and federal standards such as those mandated by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RI DOH) and Department of Human Services (DHS) childcare licensing. The Chef is responsible not only for meal preparation but also for ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, including maintaining strict temperature controls, sanitation protocols, and allergen management, specifically following kosher dietary laws and school food policies within a nut-free environment.
In this highly responsible role, the Chef creates monthly home-style menus that meet nutritional guidelines and kosher rules, catering to diverse dietary needs while supporting children with allergies and special dietary accommodations. Beyond food preparation, the Chef manages inventory, orders supplies, tracks food costs, and supervises kitchen staff when necessary. Catering services for various Alliance events and staff programs are also within the scope of this position. The position demands a dedicated professional with strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with program staff, families, and children, ensuring seamless allergy emergency action plans and comprehensive documentation.
This role requires a ServSafe Manager certification prior to hire and recertification every three years, CPR and First Aid certifications or willingness to obtain them within 30 days, and at least 20 hours of annual professional development as per DHS regulations. Candidates with an associate's degree in food service, culinary arts, or nutrition—or equivalent experience—are preferred. Physical stamina is necessary as the position involves lifting up to 50 pounds and extended standing periods. The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island is committed to equal employment opportunity, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds and ensuring a discrimination-free workplace consistent with federal, state, and local laws.
Job Requirements
- Current ServSafe Manager certification required prior to hire
- CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain within 30 days
- Ability to maintain 20 hours of annual professional development as required by DHS
- Associate's degree in food service, culinary arts, nutrition, or equivalent experience preferred
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods
- Frequent walking, reaching, pushing, and carrying trays or small equipment
- Knowledge of RI Department of Health food safety regulations and DHS childcare licensing standards
- Experience with kosher dietary laws and nut-free environments
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse communities
Job Qualifications
- Current ServSafe Manager certification required prior to hire and recertification every 3 years per RI DOH regulations
- CPR and First Aid certifications or willingness to obtain within 30 days of hire
- Ability to maintain 20 hours of annual professional development as required by DHS childcare licensing regulations
- Associate's degree in food service, culinary arts, nutrition, or applicable experience preferred
- Demonstrated experience with the Alliance’s core values
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and web browsers
- Knowledge of recipe development, general nutrition, and large quantity food preparation
- Experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals, preferably in a childcare facility
- Ability to make independent, logical, responsible, and compassionate decisions
Job Duties
- Create home-style, nutritional monthly menus following kashrut rules and school food policies and procedures, including maintaining a nut-free environment
- Provide catering services for staff, events, and other Alliance-related programming as requested
- Maintain and regularly update documented allergy and dietary restriction lists for all enrolled children
- Obtain and file required medical statements for special dietary accommodations
- Coordinate with program staff on allergy emergency action plans
- Offer appropriate substitute items to children with allergies or other food restrictions
- Order food and kitchen supplies in accordance with monthly menus and school needs
- Maintain records of inventory, purchasing, and food costs
- Prepare meals and snacks for children and staff and distribute them to classrooms at scheduled times following RI DOH food safety regulations and HACCP principles
- Maintain food temperature logs and ensure refrigerator and freezer temperatures are maintained per RI DOH and DHS regulations
- Ensure sanitization of all eating surfaces before and after meal service per DHS licensing regulations
- Maintain all equipment used in cooking, food preparation, storage, and cleaning/sanitation in a safe and efficient manner
- Support compliance with RI DOH food service licensing requirements, including health inspections
- Attend all required staff meetings, workshops, and/or school functions
- Supervise other kitchen staff as needed
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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