Assistant Chef and Program Planner

Summary of Duties

The Assistant Chef and Program Support position is a hybrid role that combines culinary responsibilities with program and event support. The position assists the Food Service Coordinator with preparing and planning nutritious, senior-friendly meals while helping support community programs, events, and wellness initiatives. This role contributes to creating a welcoming, vibrant, and health-conscious environment that aligns with the organization’s mission to engage, enrich, and empower the community it serves.

Essential Functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:

Culinary Responsibilities

• Assist the Food Service Coordinator with preparing and planning nutritious, senior-friendly meals, snacks, and desserts for the Connections Café and for events and activities
• Ensure meals follow dietary guidelines 
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen in compliance with health department regulations
• Assist in managing kitchen inventory,  supplies, and tracking food costs within budget guidelines
• Minimize food waste and ensure proper food storage and handling practices
• Operate Kitchen, Café, and Events in Food Service Coordinators’ absence

Program Engagement

• Collaborate with staff to plan and support food-related themed events and programs
• Offer input and support for special events, wellness initiatives, and seasonal activities
• Engage the community  possibly through cooking demonstrations, classes, themed meals, take-home kits, and other culinary-focused activities

Peripheral Duties

• Provide administrative and program support of Café and food related activities within the Community Services department as needed
• Assist with event setup, coordination, or related logistics
• Fill in for Cashier position in café as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Director

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in meal preparation or culinary arts
• ServSafe certification 
• Experience assisting with or supporting food events of varying sizes
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage with people of all ages, especially older adults
• Ability to work independently, multitask, and manage time effectively
• Creative, enthusiastic, and flexible mindset
• Positive attitude and genuine interest in working with older adults and volunteers
• Basic computer skills and ability to perform administrative tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary Arts Degree
• Experience working in a senior center, assisted living environment, or similar community setting
• Enjoys baking
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment

Tools and Equipment Used

• Commercial kitchen equipment (ovens, stovetops, mixers, food processors, etc.)
• Food preparation tools and utensils
• Food safety and sanitation equipment
• Basic computer systems and office software

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essentialfunctions of this job:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while preparing food
• Ability to lift and carry food items, supplies, and kitchen equipment (typically up to 25–50 lbs)
• Frequent bending, reaching, and moving within a kitchen environment
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with varying temperatures