Hands On Hartford, in partnership with others, strengthens community in Hartford by responding faithfully to people in need through programs that change lives and renew human possibility. Hands On Hartford is a nonprofit social services agency that increases food security and nutrition, improves health and provides housing while we engage volunteers and connect communities.

Our MANNA Community Pantry and Neighborhood Services includes a food pantry, weekend backpack nutrition program for kids, and a community meal and day program, along with assistance with resources and referrals.  Our Housing Program provides safe and affordable supportive housing and intensive housing and health focused supportive services for individuals and families with complex health issues (including those living with HIV/AIDS).  Our Community Engagement team places volunteers in one-time and ongoing positions with all of our programs, as well as organizing larger customized service projects, service learning immersions and “Dash for a Difference” events. Volunteerism is central to our “hands on” approach to service and community.

Hands On Hartford also operates The Café at Fifty-Five and Caterers Who Care.  The Café is open Tuesday – Friday, 7:30am – 2:30pm, and offers breakfast and lunch menu, employment and volunteer opportunities, and a pay-for-a-neighbor program. Caterers Who Care offers catering on- and off-site seven days a week at competitive prices.  Both Café and Catering proceeds support Hands On Hartford’s direct service food and housing programs. Our Licensed Shared Use Kitchen (which is used for Café and Catering operations) is also available for members on an hourly basis, and enables start-up and small food businesses and entrepreneurs to scale up their operations before they are able to afford their own commercial kitchens.  Income from this venture supports Hands On Hartford’s direct service programs

Cook(s)

Part Time  10 & 20 Hours per week

Seeking:  Two Part time energetic, hard working creative professionals to join our team of Café and Catering staff to prepare a wide range of breakfast, lunch, dinner and party foods.  A plus:  candidates who have an interest in taking pride in a job well done and growing your skills, as well as in seeing the Café and Catering operations support the work of Hands On Hartford, a 50 year old Hartford non profit dedicated to serving low income neighbors.

Job Purpose:

The Cook takes a lead in the preparation of foods for the Café at Fifty-Five and Caterers Who Care ensuring consistency and excellence of flavor, texture, and presentation.  One position ensures safe and timely delivery of catering orders.    

Areas of Responsibility:

1. Prepares foods, soups and beverages for the Café at Fifty-Five’s daily operations
2. Prepares and packages foods, soups and beverages for Caterers Who Care events
3. Ensures safe and on time delivery of catering orders
4. Staffs catered events as assigned
5. Sets up for and cleans up from catered events
6. Assists with food purchase, pick up, and delivery as needed
7. Assists with regular cleaning of food service appliances, storage and equipment as needed
8. Provides responsive ‘front of the house’ customer service
9. Provides excellent ‘front of the house’ food and beverage preparation
10. Supports involved volunteers (individual and group)
11. Ensures facility and staff/volunteer compliance with professional standards for safe food handling, cleanliness, and hygiene
12. Consistently employs safe food handling, preparation and storage strategies
13. Works with the Community Kitchen Programs Manager to assess and modify menus and recipes
14. Maintains program participant confidentiality

 General:

1. Maintain a thorough knowledge of agency policies, procedures
2. Provide for the safety of staff and property of the Agency
3. Attend and participate in agency and site/team meetings and trainings as required
4. Perform other tasks consistent with the job purpose

Qualifications:

Minimum of one year experience as a cook, demonstrated ability to multi task required.  Food service certification or formal training preferred.  .Servsafe management level certification, clean driving record and ability to lift and carry 50 pounds required for the 20 hour a week position.   Demonstrated ability to work as an active team member, strong communication skills, and basic computer skills required.

Work Schedule and Benefits

1. Hourly: one position: 20 hours a week; one position: 10 hours a week. Additional hours as needed for additional catering jobs. Mostly day times, but evenings, weekend and holiday involvement is expected
2. Compensation: commensurate with experience
3. Paid time off in accordance with agency policy

Send letter of interest & resume to: Andrew Proctor, Community Kitchen Program Manager

Hands On Hartford, 55 Bartholomew Ave, Hartford CT 06106.

Email aproctor@handsonhartford.org no phone calls please

AA/EOE