Meal Planner - Temporary Assignment

About Central California Family Crisis Center, Inc. (CCFCC)

CCFCC is a culturally and linguistically competent multi-service nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services to those affected by domestic and sexual violence, elder abuse, economic deprivation, and homelessness regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Our emphasis is on client-centered, trauma-informed care. We work with diverse partners to promote individual, family, and community transformation.

CCFCC is an equal opportunity employer. The organization does not discriminate based on race color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex or gender (which includes gender identity), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (as defined under California law), veteran status, family care status, taking or requesting statutorily protected leave, or any other basis protected by law. CCFCC is a drug-free workplace.

POSITION: Temporary Meal Planner

HOURLY WAGE: $15.50 - $16.75

REPORTS TO: Director of Shelter Operations

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Hourly, Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Porterville, CA

DEPARTMENT: Emergency Shelter

Language: English

Supervises: Not Applicable

Dress Code: Smart Casual – Clean, unripped Jeans, T-shirts, closed-toe shoes, or work boots. Appropriate attire for picking up, unloading donations, and conducting some shelter maintenance.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION:

The Meal Planner will be responsible for the organization, and supervision of nutritious meals for the Family Crisis Center shelter kitchen. This includes managing the contents of the refrigerators and freezers, the pantry and walk-in, planning weekly meals and creating menus based on available food items, and training and assisting clients, staff, and volunteers during meal times. The Meal Planner will also help schedule meal providers; work with donors and volunteers, and purchase items as needed for the kitchen. In addition, the meal planner schedules the pickup of donated items from local agencies. This requires the ability to lift 50 pounds. The Family Crisis Center is a 38-person emergency shelter for adults with children who are victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and or experiencing homelessness.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• We anticipate that services as a temporary worker will be needed through April 30, 2024. This date, however, is subject to change. Evaluation of this position will be completed after 90 days of continued employment to determine if service will be needed through March.
• 40hrs/week. Days and hours worked are primarily Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
• This position requires flexibility based on agency needs. The Shelter is a confidential location staffed 24/7 by awake Advocates. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES/KNOWLEDGE:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Organization and Report:

• Create and maintain systems for labeling and storing all food donations in pantries, freezers, and refrigerators. This includes maintaining an inventory of food and household supplies at the shelter.
• Keep an accurate, current inventory of food items and provide a monthly report to the Director of Shelter Operations.
• Determine which kitchen appliances to keep and which to remove.
• Work with the Director of Shelter Operations regarding the removal of extraneous kitchen appliances.
• Designate workstations.
• Create and maintain cleanliness and sanitation systems and guidelines for all staff to follow for the storage and use of USDA food products. (Based on USDA and Food Link policies, procedures, regulations, and recommended standards).
• Monitor the Kitchen, appliances, and eating areas to ensure that they are kept clean and sanitary at all times. Notify the Client Advocate on duty when a client is not complying with kitchen rules and regulations.

Menu Planning:

• The candidate will plan meals for all breakfast, lunch dinner, and snacks. This includes adding planned or prepared meals to be provided by outside donors. Assist Clients in the preparation of menu items, when needed.
• The candidate will utilize donated pantries and walk-in times each week.
• Create recipes/recipe folders for meals that can be cooked throughout the week.
• Make sure that all necessary ingredients are available for menu items and that food is available in the pantry each evening for the next day.

Training and Education:

• In conjunction with Meal Planning, the candidate will manage food production and assist staff and volunteers in learning cooking techniques. This includes providing nutrition, food handling, and food preparation education to shelter residents.
• Completed documentation of classes, topics, and attendance of participants. Provide completed information to the Director of Shelter Operations.

Donations:

• Solicit food and household supplies from community donors, when necessary.
• Pick up food and household supplies donated to the shelter by community merchants.

Outcome:

• Systems related to kitchen organization are created & maintained.
• The kitchen is up-to-USDA-standard regarding cleanliness & sanitation.
• Recipes utilizing donated goods are created & archived for staff, kitchen employees & volunteers to refer to in the future.
• All Family Center Staff is trained in basic food prep and meal planning.
• The Kitchen Volunteer Program is implemented under the care of the Kitchen Manager.
• Reduction in food waste as food will be incorporated into menus & stored correctly.
• Maintain and renew food donor relationships as our shelter can fully utilize donations.

Other Duties:

• Answers 24/7 hotline and provides direct one-on-one crisis counseling to primary and secondary victims of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking.
• Other duties as necessary and assigned. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform effectively in this position, the incumbent must have/be:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• College coursework or vocational training in nutrition and food preparation required or equivalent experience.
• One year of experience in food service.
• Must possess, or be able to complete a state-approved 40-hr training leading to certification as a DV counselor/advocate.
• Must possess, or be able to complete a state-approved 40-hour training leading to certification as an HT victim counselor/advocate.
• Completion of 1-hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for non-supervisory staff, every 2 years.
• Must possess knowledge of social and economic issues creating poverty, working successfully with practices and techniques related to people with low income to achieve greater self-sufficiency.
• Basic principles of confidentiality, crisis de-escalation, assertive engagement, and trauma-informed care.
• Must be self-motivated and self-directed.
• Must be very well organized and interested in collaboration on systems for accepting and tracking donations.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with Family Crisis Center guests, volunteers, and donors.
• Be culturally sensitive to diverse client populations.
• Experience in customer service, food service, and/or emergency services preferred.
• Must have the ability to keep track of donors’ names and organizations, and refer to them to maintain close relationships with donors.
• Must possess a friendly and welcoming demeanor and be willing to problem solve with compassion and empathy.
• Must be able to work independently and as a team member.
• Excellent written, verbal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Computer knowledge and skills required. Strong knowledge of MS Office programs.
• Must possess a valid CA driver’s license, proof of personal auto liability insurance & acceptance by our insurance carrier.
• Must receive clearance from the Department of Justice Criminal and Federal Bureau of Investigation record Offender Information database.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Ability to operate tools and equipment listed.
• Have not been a resident of FCC Emergency Shelter or any other DV or HT shelter, not have been in a DV or HT relationship or recovering from sexual assault for at least two years.

COVID-19 Vaccination & Testing:

Please be aware that the Family Crisis Center requires all employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or complete weekly testing. This position will require the successful candidate to show proof of vaccination or set a routine testing plan with HR.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Motor vehicle, multi-line telephone, cell phone, personal computer, internet, email, copy and fax machines.

SPECIAL ADA REQUIREMENTS

CCFCC is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate concerning applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations when necessary.

• For the ADA, the “Responsibilities” and Qualifications” are essential job functions.
• Bending, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds (files/boxes) required; lifting from the floor, inside a car, inside a truck, or from the trunk.
• Both standing and sitting are required for extended periods
• Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate the equipment.
• Hearing in the normal audio range with or without correction. Must have the ability to receive and convey detailed and/or important instructions or ideas accurately.
• Manual dexterity required and the ability to use wrists, hands, and/or fingers in a repetitive motion. Prepare and/or review documents and communications on a computer, on paper, or in files.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in a Shelter setting, as well as throughout the community. The noise level in the work environment is typical of a busy shelter, ranging from quiet to moderately noisy.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements, which may change from time to time based on business needs. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship to the Company may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

This job description is approved by all levels of management:

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $16.00 - $16.75 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Porterville, CA 93257: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Application Question(s):

• A successful candidate must receive clearance from the Department of Justice Criminal and Federal Bureau of Investigation record Offender Information database. Can you comply with this requirement?
• A successful candidate must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen. Can you comply with this requirement?
• What motivated you to apply for this position and what makes you a great fit for it?
• A successful candidate must have the ability to lift 50 pounds. Can you lift 50 pounds?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Food service: 1 year (Preferred)
• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• California Driver's License (Required)
• 40hr DV counselor/advocate certification (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person