Food Prep/Cook

Family Village is a compassionate organization operating a 24/7 shelter in Southeast Portland dedicated to supporting families with children who are experiencing homelessness. The shelter provides holistic support and nutritious meals, guided by trauma-informed care principles to create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. This environment nurtures healing, dignity, and empowerment for families in need, making Family Village a critical community resource for vulnerable populations facing housing instability. Family Village emphasizes inclusivity and strives to foster a sense of community and belonging for all families that seek assistance within its doors.

The role of Kitchen Coordinator at Family Village is essential to the daily operations of the shelter. This position is a part-time opportunity with shifts scheduled Thursday through Sunday, from 3 pm to 11:30 pm, offering a pay rate of $20 per hour. The Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently and safely, playing a vital role in delivering nutritious, balanced meals to families served by the shelter. The position involves hands-on meal preparation and serving, collaborative menu planning with the Family Village Chef, adherence to strict food safety and health regulations, and maintaining a clean and organized kitchen and dining environment.

Beyond meal preparation, the Kitchen Coordinator also supports important kitchen functions such as inventory management, supply ordering, and volunteer coordination. By assisting in training and supporting volunteers in safe food handling and kitchen procedures, this role helps maintain smooth kitchen operations. The Coordinator ensures that the dining room is opened and closed each day following established protocols, contributing to a warm, communal dining experience where families feel valued and cared for.

This role requires a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, reflecting the shelter’s mission to offer stability, comfort, and community to families experiencing homelessness. The Kitchen Coordinator must be capable of working independently and as part of a team, demonstrating reliability, punctuality, and initiative. Physical demands include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform a range of kitchen tasks such as bending, reaching, and safely handling kitchen equipment. Familiarity with food safety regulations and hygiene standards is essential.

Working as a Kitchen Coordinator at Family Village offers the rewarding opportunity to directly impact the lives of vulnerable families. This role is much more than food preparation; it is about fostering dignity and empowerment through compassionate service. Candidates who are passionate about supporting those in crisis, who embrace the organization’s inclusive values, and who are motivated to contribute to anti-racism and anti-oppression efforts will find this position fulfilling. Prior experience in food service environments such as catering, shelter kitchens, retirement communities, or school kitchens is preferred, along with a commitment to obtaining an Oregon Food Handler’s Card if not already held.

Overall, the Kitchen Coordinator position at Family Village is a critical link in the organization's mission to provide holistic care and nourishment. Through collaboration, dedication, and a community-centered approach, the Coordinator helps create a nurturing space where families not only receive meals but also experience stability and hope amidst challenging circumstances.