Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Hourly
Exact $22.00
Work Schedule
Rotating Shifts
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Paid holidays
Training and Development
Job Description
New Life Center is a faith-based Christian ministry dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. Operating with a deep commitment to its Christian mission and values, New Life Center offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of its guests. This includes shelter, meals, job training, and other supportive programs aimed at fostering dignity, transformation, and hope for those in need. The organization firmly grounds its work in Christ-centered values, emphasizing respect, encouragement, accountability, and love in every interaction. Staff members are expected to be committed followers of Jesus Christ, aligned with the organization's Statement of Faith, and embody these core REAL values in all aspects of their work.
The Food Ministry Associate at New Life Center plays a crucial role in supporting the daily operations of the shelter's kitchen. This full-time role, working Monday through Friday with rotating weekends, involves hands-on involvement in food preparation, cooking, and meal service while ensuring compliance with health and sanitation standards. With a starting wage of $22 per hour, the associate reports directly to the Dining Services Manager and is instrumental in delivering meals with excellence, hospitality, and respect. Beyond food service tasks, this position also actively participates in the Genesis job skills training program, equipping guests with practical work habits, culinary skills, and personal growth opportunities.
In this role, the associate helps maintain a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment, contributes to minimizing waste while upholding quality standards, and ensures special dietary needs are met when applicable. The associate plays a key part in creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and volunteers alike, demonstrating Christ-like compassion and dignity. Emphasis is placed on fostering a culture of excellence and transforming lives through service. The work environment requires physical stamina, including the ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds, with exposure to a variety of kitchen hazards such as heat, sharp equipment, and repetitive motions.
New Life Center supports employees through a committed approach to inclusivity and accommodation related to ADA compliance and maintains high expectations for professionalism and alignment with the organization's Christian ethos. This role not only demands culinary and operational skills but also a passionate heart for ministry, teamwork, and helping individuals rebuild their lives. The associate's ability to motivate and mentor guests participating in the job training program is vital, as is the capacity to handle high-pressure kitchen scenarios with grace and efficiency. Overall, this position offers a meaningful career opportunity for individuals seeking to make a lasting impact through service and faith in a fast-paced and ministry-driven kitchen setting.
The Food Ministry Associate at New Life Center plays a crucial role in supporting the daily operations of the shelter's kitchen. This full-time role, working Monday through Friday with rotating weekends, involves hands-on involvement in food preparation, cooking, and meal service while ensuring compliance with health and sanitation standards. With a starting wage of $22 per hour, the associate reports directly to the Dining Services Manager and is instrumental in delivering meals with excellence, hospitality, and respect. Beyond food service tasks, this position also actively participates in the Genesis job skills training program, equipping guests with practical work habits, culinary skills, and personal growth opportunities.
In this role, the associate helps maintain a safe, clean, and organized kitchen environment, contributes to minimizing waste while upholding quality standards, and ensures special dietary needs are met when applicable. The associate plays a key part in creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests and volunteers alike, demonstrating Christ-like compassion and dignity. Emphasis is placed on fostering a culture of excellence and transforming lives through service. The work environment requires physical stamina, including the ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds, with exposure to a variety of kitchen hazards such as heat, sharp equipment, and repetitive motions.
New Life Center supports employees through a committed approach to inclusivity and accommodation related to ADA compliance and maintains high expectations for professionalism and alignment with the organization's Christian ethos. This role not only demands culinary and operational skills but also a passionate heart for ministry, teamwork, and helping individuals rebuild their lives. The associate's ability to motivate and mentor guests participating in the job training program is vital, as is the capacity to handle high-pressure kitchen scenarios with grace and efficiency. Overall, this position offers a meaningful career opportunity for individuals seeking to make a lasting impact through service and faith in a fast-paced and ministry-driven kitchen setting.
Job Requirements
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check
- Ability to stand for extended periods of time
- Position requires a lot of repetitive motion, lifting, pushing, and carrying
- Ability to lift 30 lbs
- Ability to work in areas with extreme heat conditions and frequent interaction with gas burners, heated equipment, grease, sharp machinery, and other at-risk conditions
- Personal, evident, and growing relationship with Christ
- Compassionate heart for those in need
- Willingness to serve others
- Desire to see the lost be transformed through the love of Christ
Job Qualifications
- Previous experience in food service or kitchen environment
- Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Ability to cook for large numbers
- Ability to motivate and coach individuals
- Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills
- Ability to use independent judgment to accomplish goals
- Utilize creativity to create list of nutritious meals
- Willingness to learn and ability to take constructive criticism
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong work ethic and a commitment to completing tasks with excellence
Job Duties
- Assist in meal preparation, cooking, service, with excellence and consistency
- Follow recipes, portion control, and food safety guidelines
- Help ensure meals are served in a timely, organized, and respectful manner
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and quality of food service areas
- Help meet special dietary requirements when appropriate
- Assist with inspection of all donated food to determine quality of food as required
- Minimize waste while maintaining high standards of excellence
- Assist with kitchen setup, closing duties, and daily workflow
- Wash dishes, clean equipment and maintain a sanitary work environment
- Help organize food storage areas, including refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage
- Contribute to a smooth and efficient operation with a commitment to excellence
- Follow all health department guidelines and regulations regarding proper food handling, sanitation, and safety
- Properly store food including labeling and proper rotation of all food (FIFO)
- Maintain required temperature logs for refrigerators, freezers, and meals
- Use proper PPE appropriately and maintain a safe work environment
- Ensure safe use of all kitchen equipment and report any safety concerns or equipment issues promptly
- Assist in welcoming, guiding, and supporting kitchen volunteers
- Help provide direction and ensure volunteers/guests understand tasks and expectations
- Model a spirit of hospitality
- Help create a welcoming and respectful dining environment
- Engage guests with dignity, kindness, and Christ-like compassion
- Recognize that excellence in service communicates value and care to each individual
- Actively support and participate in the Genesis job skills training program within the kitchen
- Help train Genesis guests in basic culinary skills, food safety practices, and kitchen procedures
- Model and reinforce essential workplace behaviors such as punctuality, accountability, teamwork, and consistency
- Assist in creating a structured, goal-oriented environment that promotes excellence in both skill and character development
- Assist with evaluation of Genesis guest progress by working with the Job Training Program Liaison
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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