Groundswell Cafe Chef

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Matthew 25 is a vibrant, growing non-profit organization. Our mission is to improve the health of people and neighborhoods by investing in quality affordable housing, healthy food, educational opportunities, and community building. Our Groundswell Cafe is a pay-it-forward café, providing healthy meals to all, regardless of their ability to pay. Groundswell Cafe is open Monday - Saturday 7am-2pm.

Matthew 25 is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability to be successful.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to the following)

The Matthew 25 Chef is responsible for the menu planning and daily preparation of delectable salads, sandwiches and soups made as much as possible from local, healthy ingredients at the Groundswell Cafe. Additionally, the chef will help at urban farm market nights with brick-oven pizzas and grilling as well as other food programs and events. The chef is responsible for setting a tone that is welcoming, uses everyone’s gifts, and creates a place where food builds community.

Essential Duties:

• Prep and cook high quality food to meet demands of the Cafe in a timely fashion, exceeding diners’ expectations.
• Create menu items that are nutritionally sound, diverse and appetizing, featuring organically grown and seasonal produce from the Matthew 25 Urban Farm.
• Experience preparing and cooking simple, nutritious meals from scratch, including soups, sandwiches, entrees, sauces, dressings and baked goods.
• Interaction with cafe customers, working the counter as well as the line.
• Develop market night offerings using at the urban farm using the outdoor brick-oven and grill
• Teach food classes and develop food events
• Develop catering menus for events and catering bookings.
• Coordinate event bookings with prospective event clients.
• Manage inventory control and processes to efficiently make meals.
• Negotiate with vendors and purchase supplies.
• Participate in hiring and training all kitchen staff and volunteers.
• Oversee and coordinate work of volunteers who are engaged in preparing and serving meals, ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards.
• Maintain Linn County Public Health food safety standards and regulations (and possess a current ServSafe Manager food handling certificate)

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Must be outgoing, working hard to build a network of relationships to support Matthew 25 and Groundswell Café.
• Ability to manage time and keep accurate track of details/data related to events.
• Disciplined about following and improving processes for increased efficiencies.
• Experience using, keeping clean and maintaining standard commercial kitchen equipment.
• Experience in the culinary arts field with at least three years of experience in leading a kitchen team.
• Knowledge and passion for local foods. Experience with vegetarian and vegan cooking.
• Desire to work with volunteers and knowledge of food justice.
• Caring about economically challenged people and neighborhoods.
• Desire and drive for your work to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable society.
• Commitment to the organization’s mission & display and promote company values.
• Detail oriented and cares deeply about quality, product and experience.
• Ability to communicate in American Sign Language (ASL) is a plus.
• Regular attendance, including Saturdays and occasional evenings for events
• Clean and current Iowa drivers license preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit an average of 1-2 hours per workday.
• Stand an average of 5-6 hours per workday.
• Walk an average of 5-6 hours per workday.
• Bend/Stoop – Frequently (5-24 times/hour).
• Squat – Frequently (5-24 times/hour).
• Reach above shoulder level – Occasionally (1-4 times/hour).
• Up to 10 lbs of weight carried – Frequently (5-24 times/hour).
• Up to 10 lbs of weight lifted – Frequently (1-2 times/hour).
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs
• Job requires use of equipment that may require use of personal protective equipment.

BENEFITS

Benefits include PTO, Health Insurance, Simple IRA match, Short-Term Disability, and paid holidays. Access to Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, FSA and HSA is also available

Application Instructions:

Please email your resume and cover letter to info@matthew-25.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Day shift
• Morning shift

Experience:

• Food preparation: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• ServSafe certification (Required)
• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person