Food Programs - Sous Chef

Preble Street is a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been dedicated since 1975 to delivering best practice social services aimed at addressing urgent needs such as hunger and homelessness for individuals and families living in poverty in Maine. The organization is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds, including marginalized and underrepresented communities. Their comprehensive approach to social services combines compassion with effectiveness, ensuring that those they serve are treated with dignity and respect while receiving critical support to improve their quality of life. The agency is well-known for fostering an inclusive workplace and embracing applicants from diverse experiences and identities, creating a culture of belonging and equal opportunity.

The Food Programs Sous Chef position at Preble Street offers a unique opportunity to impact the community profoundly through nourishing food. This full-time role operates on a 40-hour workweek and pays an hourly rate of $24.64. The Sous Chef will work in a hybrid capacity between the Food Security Hub and Joe’s Place Youth Shelter. Joe’s Place, recently renovated, is a dedicated teen center equipped with a commercial kitchen designed to meet the needs of young people in the area. The Sous Chef’s responsibilities involve leading breakfast and lunch service from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, preparing and serving nutritious meals that advance the organization’s mission and support youth in a welcoming atmosphere.

This position is critical in ensuring that teens experiencing homelessness or those living in poverty have consistent access to high-quality, appealing, and nourishing meals. Beyond meal preparation, the Sous Chef will create additional menu options that complement those provided by the Food Security Hub. The role demands strong organizational skills, leadership abilities to guide both staff and volunteers, and a collaborative spirit essential for teamwork. Applicants should have a solid understanding of food justice, social, and economic issues affecting their clients, allowing them to bring empathy and respect to their work environment.

The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off with four weeks of vacation, sick time, personal time, and paid holidays. Health, dental, and vision insurance are available with 100% employer-paid options, as well as life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance. Additionally, the employer provides a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions. Preble Street’s supportive and mission-driven environment makes this Sous Chef role ideal for individuals passionate about using food service as a means to foster community well-being and social justice.