Culinary Support Specialist (I-III) (4792)

JOB TITLE: Culinary Support Specialist (I – III) 

 

MAJOR FUNCTION: The Culinary Support Specialist (CSS) plays a key role in supporting the daily operations of a 24/7 medical respite kitchen, helping to prepare, serve, and maintain high-quality meals for patients recovering from illness or injury. This position contributes to a safe, welcoming, and trauma-informed environment by ensuring meals are nutritious, culturally responsive, and provided with dignity and respect. The CSS works collaboratively with kitchen and clinical staff to support patient health and overall well-being. 

FLSA STATUS: Non - Exempt 

REPORTS TO: Head Chef / Kitchen Lead and Operations Manager 

Essential Functions: 

Meal Preparation & Service 

• Assist in the preparation of hot and cold meals in accordance with established menus and recipes 

• Portion, plate, and distribute meals in alignment with dietary guidelines and patient needs 

• Support meal service, including tray assembly and timely delivery 

• Assist in accommodating modified diets and special meal requests as directed 

Kitchen Operations 

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, storage areas, and equipment 

• Wash dishes, utensils, and cookware; operate dishwashing equipment safely 

• Receive, label, store, and rotate food and supplies following FIFO standards 

• Support inventory tracking and restocking of kitchen supplies 

Safety & Compliance 

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection control protocols 

• Ensure proper food handling, storage, and temperature monitoring 

• Complete required logs and documentation accurately and timely 

• Comply with all local, state, and federal health and safety regulations 

Patient-Centered Engagement 

• Interact respectfully and compassionately with patients, recognizing diverse backgrounds and experiences 

• Support a trauma-informed, harm reduction-oriented care environment 

• Respond appropriately to patient needs while maintaining professional boundaries 

Team Collaboration 

• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff, clinical teams, and program staff 

• Support a positive, team-based work environment across shifts 

• Participate in trainings and team meetings as required 

Other Duties 

• Assist with preparation and distribution of snacks, beverages, and hydration support 

• Participate in routine and deep cleaning of kitchen spaces 

• Perform other duties as assigned to support program operations 

Qualifications 

• Commitment to working directly with low-income persons from diverse backgrounds in a culturally responsive manner 

• Strong attention to cleanliness, safety, and detail 

• Reliability and accountability in a 24/7 environment 

• Flexibility and adaptability across shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays   

• Strong organizational, administrative and problem-solving skills, and ability to be flexible and adaptive to change while maintaining a positive attitude  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills   

• Ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure, and complete tasks in a timely manner  

• Ability to seek direction/approval on essential matters, yet work independently, using professional judgment and diplomacy  

• Works well in a team-oriented environment   

• Conducts oneself in external settings in a way that reflects positively on your employer   

• Ability to be creative, mature, proactive, and committed to continual learning and improvement in professional settings 

CSS I Job Requirements 

Education and Experience  

• High school diploma or equivalent (or equivalent lived/work experience) 

• Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)  

• At least 1 year of applicable work experience in a food service, community-based health care, or hospital setting 

Other Requirements  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment 

• Access to reliable transportation 

CSS II Job Requirements 

Education and Experience  

• High school diploma or equivalent (or equivalent lived/work experience) 

• Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)  

• 2-3 years of progressively responsible work experience in a food service, community-based health care, or hospital setting or at least one (1) year of experience as a CSS I or equivalent position 

Other Requirements  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment 

• Access to reliable transportation 

CSS III Job Requirements 

Education and Experience  

• High school diploma or equivalent (or equivalent lived/work experience) 

• Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)  

• 3-5 years of progressively responsible work experience in a food service, community-based health care, or hospital setting or at least one (1) year of experience as a CSS II or equivalent position 

Job Preferences 

• Experience in institutional, healthcare, shelter, or high-volume food service settings 

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or complex health conditions 

• Familiarity with special or medically indicated diets (e.g., diabetic, low sodium) 

• Lived experience of homelessness, incarceration, foster care, mental health services, substance use services or addiction, or as a close family member of someone who has this experience 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment 

• Access to reliable transportation