POSITION: Sous Chef
PROGRAM: Facilities
LOCATION: Boccardo Reception Center (BRC)/Cold Weather Shelters (CWSP)-San Jose/Gilroy/Mountain View
SUPERVISOR: Food and Kitchen Services Manager
STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt (32-40 hrs./week)
COMPENSATION: $34-$35/Hourly
ABOUT HOMEFIRST
Established in 1980, HomeFirst™ is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs. With nearly 45 years of experience, we view housing as a fundamental human right and understand that solving homelessness requires a collaborative effort.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Boccardo Reception Center (BRC) is the largest homeless shelter and service facility in Santa Clara County with a capacity of up to 250 unhoused persons. The kitchen resides inside of the BRC with a Food Warehouse. This position will be responsible for food production that exceeds 1500 meals a day. The ideal candidate must undertake large meal production planning.
The kitchen is a fully permitted operation and subject to bi-annual inspections. It also holds a LFSCO permit to allow cooking, packaging and delivery to off-site locations.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
This role will report to the Food and Kitchen Services Manager.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Preparing meals and food to meet the specifications set by the Food and Kitchen Services Manager.
- Oversee and execute food production, including preparation, seasoning, marinating, and cooking.
- Ensuring kitchen staff adhere to set standards, procedures, department rules and sanitation requirements.
- Using kitchen knives and equipment such as grills, ovens, steamers and warmers in food preparation.
- Monitor inventory, order ingredients, and ensure daily production goals are met.
- Innovate by contributing to the development of new menu items.
- Ensuring proper food temperatures when cooking and proper storage afterward
- Keeping the workstation and kitchen equipment clean, organized and sanitized
- Lead quality control efforts, ensuring compliance with HACCP and hygiene regulations.
- Mentor and train team members to achieve culinary excellence.
- Maintain budgetary controls by minimizing waste and optimizing resources.
- Respond to customer feedback and implement improvements to exceed expectations.
- Taking charge of kitchen opening, closing and other side duties as directed by the Food and Kitchen Services Manager.
Quality
- Maintains and monitors hygiene, health and safety standards and monitors that Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations are adhered to.
- Conducts quality checks of goods received.
- Monitors and ensures compliance with recipe specifications.
Leadership
- Ensure that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed and directed
- Make the company's values and management principles live in the department(s)
- Implement and control the cost budget in responsibility; initiate and steer corrective actions in case of deviations
- Participate and support company sponsored initiatives such as Global Quality Standard (GQS), HACCP, Lean Manufacturing
BENEFITS
HomeFirst provides comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage and additional wellness options like chiropractic care, mental health support, pet insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. We offer a 401(k)-retirement plan with generous matching, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, and workers’ compensation. Employees enjoy 12 holidays, sick leave, and PTO starting at 15 days annually, increasing with tenure, plus 4 hours of civic engagement leave annually to volunteer.
ORGANIZATIONAL EQUITY STATEMENT
At HomeFirst, diversity, equity, and inclusion guide our services, workplace, and decisions. Recognizing housing as a social justice issue, we prioritize equitable practices, honor lived experiences and uphold dignity for all. By fostering belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement, we embed DEI values in our processes, recruitment, and leadership, striving for excellence at every level.
HomeFirst is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. Additionally, HomeFirst participates in the E-Verify program, as required by law.
HomeFirst is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please let your recruiter know.
