Job Title: Kitchen Team Member
Reports to: Lighthouse Food Service Manager
Status: Part-Time, Dinner Shift, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: The Lighthouse Navigation Center, Bend, Oregon
Mission Statement
At the Lighthouse Navigation Center, our mission is to create safe, healing environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and empowered to pursue personal growth and stability. We strive to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and walk alongside those facing life-controlling challenges such as trauma, addiction, and homelessness. Through emergency shelter, case management, and supportive services, we seek not only to address immediate needs but to foster lasting, positive change. Our vision is to help individuals break cycles of hardship and achieve meaningful transformation, ensuring that everyone in Central Oregon has the opportunity to find hope, stability, and healing.
Position Summary
Our Kitchen team members work under the supervision of the Lighthouse Food Service Manager. They are responsible for managing daily operations in the kitchen and food service department. This role includes meal preparation, serving, and ensuring the safe handling of food for 200-500 guests per day across various Shepherd's House Ministries locations. The kitchen team members also play a role in community engagement, supporting the educational needs of guests in nutrition, and overseeing staff, volunteers, and kitchen compliance.
Core Responsibilities
- Compliance and Safety: Ensure that all food service staff and volunteers hold proper Food Handler certifications and ServSafe credentials. Comply with all federal, state, and local health regulations.
- Meal Preparation and Distribution: Prepare and serve dinner and prep for breakfast for the next day. Oversee the delivery of food boxes as needed to shelter residents, navigation participants, and other service recipients.
- Record-Keeping and Reporting: Manage all record-keeping processes, including temperature logs and food safety forms.
- Special Events: Assist with the planning and execution of special events, including meal preparation and facility coordination.
- Peer Support and General Assistance: Provide peer support to residents and guests and participate in day room activities as needed.
- Meetings and Collaboration: Attend Self-Evaluation meetings, Staff Meetings, and Peer Support Team meetings.
Qualifications
- Required: Valid Food Handler's certification, ServSafe credentials
- Preferred: Experience in a non-profit or mission-driven organization and experience in the commercial kitchen.
Work Environment
Our team at the Lighthouse Navigation Center work in a dynamic and sometimes challenging environment that serves individuals experiencing homelessness, including those who may be in active mental health crises or using substances. Staff must be prepared to:
- Work Around Individuals in Crisis: Interact with participants who may be experiencing severe mental health challenges, behavioral crises, or the effects of substance use. Staff should remain calm, compassionate, and professional in these situations.
- De-escalate Situations: Be willing to train in de-escalation techniques specific to SHM’s safety and cultural standards to effectively manage and resolve challenging behaviors, ensuring a safe environment for all.
- Maintain a Safe and Respectful Space: Work collaboratively with team members to uphold a secure environment in the kitchen and dining areas, remaining aware of surroundings and maintaining open communication to address safety concerns proactively.
- Physical Demands: This role involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 25 pounds, repetitive tasks, and managing the physical demands of a busy kitchen. Staff should also be prepared for occasional interruptions due to participant needs.
- Flexible and Adaptive: Exhibit flexibility and adaptability to work effectively in a low-barrier setting, where shifts in priorities and unplanned challenges may arise throughout the day.
- Emotional Resilience: Demonstrate resilience and strong emotional boundaries to manage high-stress situations and exposure to participants’ personal challenges while maintaining professional conduct.
Training in SHM-specific de-escalation and crisis response techniques will be provided, and ongoing support is available to help staff navigate the demands of this environment.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
Schedule:
- 4 hour shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person