Job Description

ABOUT US

Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring (MOW TP/SS) has served homebound residents in our community since 1971. Our success has inspired and informed the launch of other Meals on Wheels programs in the Washington, DC region. In 2024, we prepared and delivered 53,758 meals to 216 homebound neighbors. This growth would not have been possible without our dedicated and talented staff, numbering four full- and five-part-time employees, and 150 active volunteers. As a direct service organization, we are committed to our clients and making the community a better place for all.

OUR MISSION & VISION

Meals on Wheels of Takoma Park/Silver Spring’s mission is to nourish our community. We do this through the preparation and delivery of healthy, delicious meals to our homebound neighbors and other programs that support our community.

THE POSITION
The Chef reports to, and works in partnership with, the Kitchen Manager to ensure the day-to-day success and long-term growth of MOW TP/SS. The Chef coordinates the overall kitchen operations, and plans and prepares hot meals, consistent with ED requests, client needs, organizational kitchen schedule, and county nutrition , cleanliness and operating requirements.

As Chef, you play an integral role in our team. To be successful, you will work independently to accomplish regular administrative tasks; closely with the Kitchen Manager during training and on special projects; and collaboratively with our small team, particularly the Deli Manager. You are excited about working at a nonprofit and committed to our mission of delivering delicious meals to our homebound neighbors. You take pride in being consistent in your work, you can see how pieces and process flow together, and you communicate well to support a smooth-running operation. You create a rapport with volunteers to ensure a friendly working environment in the kitchen where volunteers want to work. You make a demonstrated effort to build up and support your colleagues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chef is responsible for the overall operation of the kitchen. Specifically, they will:

• Prepare hot meals in a timely manner Monday through Friday, including meal options for vegetarians and allergenic/religious-restricted clients, compliant with County nutrition requirements.
• Work closely with Montgomery County authorities to ensure that nutrition and food safety standards are upheld and reflect those standards in menu planning, portions, and food preparation
• Work closely with the Deli Manager to coordinate, train and welcome volunteer kitchen assistants to prepare nutritious and delicious meals
• Manage inventory, track and order equipment, supplies, and food supplies
• Maintain overall cleanliness of kitchen and ensure safe and sanitary operation of kitchen to meet or exceed Health Department standards.
• Maintain close communication with colleagues on volunteer management, kitchen processes, and client needs to ensure smooth and effective operations
• Complete additional Special Projects including catering the annual Celebration event to thank volunteers, annual extra Thanksgiving meals for clients, and any other project decided in agreement with the Kitchen Manager or ED.
• As needed, gleaning outside regular hours to pick up donations.
• Build and sustain a strong culture of service, friendliness, and appreciation for others as part of MOW TP/SS’s organizational culture.
• The Chef is expected to begin each day promptly, and to work on average 8 hours/day, including lunch break.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be licensed by Montgomery County, MD as a food safety manager within 30 days of commencing work.
• Ability to understand and implement Montgomery County nutrition guidelines.
• Value and support the mission of MOW TP/SS.
• Ability to work independently and closely as a team with other staff and volunteers
• Communicate effectively.
• Deal tactfully with stakeholders, especially volunteers.
• Establish and maintain an efficient, orderly kitchen.
• Prioritize concurrent demands to meet tight deadlines.
• Maintain a courteous and helpful manner and actively build up and support colleagues.
• Experience using email and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Background check is mandatory for this position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate, or the equivalent, with at least three years of experience in group meal preparation.
• Preferred experience supervising volunteers.
• Any professional development or training required will be paid by MOW TP/SS.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, see, hear, walk, handle objects and tools, and reach with arms and hands. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

HOURS, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS

The Chef regularly works 40 hours/week, Monday through Friday, 8:00/8:30-4:00/4:30. The position is onsite. Compensation includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision) paid by MOW TP/SS and an unmatched 403b retirement plan. The starting salary range is $48K-$50K with the exact amount to be determined by the applicant’s skills and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter detailing your experience and interest to director@mowtakoma.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of December 23.

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