Kitchen Coordinator

Job Description: Kitchen Coordinator at Recovery Café Lowell

Our Peer Recovery Support Center was founded on the truth that ALL human beings have immeasurable value and potential regardless of addictive behaviors, homelessness, criminal justice involvement, mental and emotional anguish, trauma, or mistakes made.  We provide a beautiful, safe, all-inclusive space and loving community where members feel encouraged to grow into their potential and live self-directed lives – at their own pace and on their own terms. 

Recovery Café Lowell is a Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) contracted peer-run day program that promotes support, stability, and human connection and upholds the belief that recovery is possible for everyone. Riverbend utilizes the Recovery Café Model in its Peer Recovery Support Centers, which abides by the guiding principles to live reflectively, respect oneself and others, cultivate compassion, practice forgiveness and encourage growth.

OUR PURPOSE, SOCIAL IMPACT, AND AGENCY CULTURE

With the opioid and other drug overdose epidemic affecting our country, we have been at the forefront and the premier, non-profit organization for almost fifty years in the Merrimack Valley and extended areas addressing this problem.

The purpose of our existence has been to assist members of our local community in receiving recovery support, treatment and overcoming substance use disorder through addiction treatment and peer recovery support services like recovery coaching and our two peer recovery support centers. 

Riverbend is also a mission focused agency that provides a relaxed, friendly, and supportive work culture that offers excellent pay and a generous benefits package to all our employees.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a part-time Kitchen Coordinator to join the Lowell Peer Recovery Support Center (PRSC) team. We are looking for a candidate who aligns with the Recovery Café Model and its guiding principles. We are also looking for someone who believes in the impact that love and an authentic human connection has on a person’s recovery.  We support a diverse workplace and encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. 

Riverbend is proud to serve an extremely diverse population through our various programs regardless of their race, color, religion, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Because we strive to mirror the population we serve, we strongly encourage those who possess, come from, or identify with any of the characteristics named above to apply.

DESIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Our ideal person will possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. S/he should be able to demonstrate cultural sensitivity; has completed or is willing to complete the Recovery Coach Academy and will work towards Recovery Coach certification (CARC) and possess a thorough understanding of the RC Model and capable of applying this knowledge in a variety of settings. S/he will need to be an effective team member with an ability to work effectively with co-workers and members. This person possesses proficient computer skills. Strong ability to connect and communicate with others is important. Having relationships with providers and entities in Lowell is an advantage.

POSITION       Kitchen Coordinator for the Lowell Peer Recovery Support Center

(Recovery Café Lowell)

REPORTS TO   Jade Mellen, Program Director of Recovery Café Lowell

This is a part-time position (20 hours per week) which includes benefits. This person’s work schedule will align with the space’s 70-hour-per-week operational requirements and may involve flexible shifts to ensure adequate coverage. A regular schedule will be confirmed upon hire, with the understanding that adjustments may be required.

JOB SUMMARY:

The PRSC Kitchen Coordinator is responsible for assisting with PRSC operations, specializing in the production and distribution of warm, nutritious meals and keeping both the latte bar and kitchen spaces clean. The Kitchen Coordinator will also support members, community volunteers, and team members during hours on shift.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare nutritious menu items daily according to feedback and/or input from PRSC members.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation that reflect RC model.
• Ensure daily preparation and set-up of PRSC meals, kitchen and latte bar
• Train members/volunteers on safe handling, storage, and cleaning procedures
• Supervise kitchen operations to include members in food preparation, inventory and quality control.
• Communicate effectively to PRSC members and staff about timing of meals, menu changes, or special orders.
• Support special events (community meals, celebrations, events, etc.) with planning and execution.
• Work with PRSC team to incorporate PRSC Peer Leader program within the kitchen and latte bar.
• Track kitchen and latte bar inventory (food, ingredients, disposables, cleaning supplies, etc.) and submit inventory sheets to Program Director weekly.
• Coordinate food shopping lists and trips with Program Director.
• Oversee daily cleaning schedules (work surfaces, equipment, etc.).
• Welcome all who come into the space by embracing and promoting radical hospitality in the context of loving accountability.
• Ensure the PRSC remains clean and beautiful.
• Facilitate community meetings, recovery circles and peer support groups.
• Share responsibility for overseeing ROLRC front desk operations.
• Work with the PRSC team to aid in daily cafe operations (i.e. inventory, latte hour, cookouts).
• Share responsibility of utilizing Virtual Gateway system and AGENCY (Recovery Café database to track member activity).
• Complete all required documentation promptly.
• Follow all opening/closing procedures.
• Participate in a weekly staff meeting and individual supervision with Program Director.
• Adhere to the guiding principles of the Recovery Café Model and the BSAS standards of care.
• Participate in training as required.

As part of a collaborative team, this role may include occasional coverage at other Riverbend RSS sites (per instruction from supervisor) to ensure continuity of services.

Team members are expected to assist with tasks outside of their specific role when needed to support the overall mission and daily operations of the PRSC.

REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license
• Has personal, lived experience
• High school diploma or equivalent
• A desire to learn and grow within the organization
• Communicate clearly and timely
• Demonstrate cultural competency
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Demonstrate the ability to actively listen and respond to questions and concerns of PRSC members, staff, etc.
• Able to self-direct, solve problems and manage one’s time independently
• Is willing to or has completed the Recovery Coach Academy and/or is working towards Recovery Coach certification
• Possess a thorough understanding of the Recovery Coach/Peer model and can apply this knowledge in different settings
• Understand and support multiple pathways of recovery
• Possess the ability to work positively with coworkers and PRSC members
• Possess proficient computer skills