Job Details

Job Location: Fargo, ND 58102

Position Type: Full Time

Food Ministry Associate Job Description

Position: Food Ministry Associate

Full Time: 9:30 am - 6 pm, Monday-Friday, weekends as needed
Department: Operations
Reports to: Dining Services Manager
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Starting Wage: $20/hour

Summary

The Food Ministry Associate responsibilities include preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for shelter guests while maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. This role requires a commitment to excellence in food preparation, sanitation, hospitality, and service ensuring that every meal reflects dignity while upholding the highest standards as well as contributing to a positive, respectful atmosphere within the shelter.

At New Life Center, every role is a form of ministry. We seek staff who are committed followers of Jesus Christ, aligned with our Statement of Faith, and who model our REAL values - Respectful, Encouraging, Accountable, and Loving.

Essential Responsibilities

Essential Function 1:Food Service

Assist with preparing meals while observing all food safety requirements.
Assist with meal planning to ensure that all donated food is used in a timely manner so that waste is minimized.
Help meet special dietary needs when appropriate.
Ensure the kitchen, walk in cooler/freezer, and storage areas are clean, organized, and safe.
Assist with inspection of all donated food items to determine quality of food, as required.

Essential Function 2: Safety and Compliance

Maintain excellence in kitchen cleanliness, organization, and sanitation.
Follow all health department guidelines and regulations regarding proper food handling, sanitation, and safety.
Properly store food including proper labeling and rotating of all food.
Maintain required temperature logs for walk in cooler, freezer and meals.
Ensure safe use of all kitchen equipment; report any equipment related concerns immediately.

Essential Function 3: Collaboration and Guest Support

Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and shelter guests.
Provide guidance to volunteers and guests assisting in the kitchen.
Demonstrate compassion, patience, and respect in all guest interactions.
Uphold confidentiality, boundaries, and professional integrity at all times.
Other duties as assigned

Position Reports to James Redding, Dining Services Manager

This job description identifies the major responsibilities of this job. It does not include all aspects of the position such as the potential additional duties assigned by the Operations Director, the requirement for flexibility in helping others, or the highly valued team-oriented approach used for the overall benefit and success of New Life Center.

Qualifications

Personal

Personal, evident, and growing relationship with Christ.
Compassionate heart for those in need.
Willingness to serve others.
Desire to see the lost be transformed through the love of Christ.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
If in recovery, a minimum of one year of sustained recovery with active participation in a 12-step program is required; two or more years is preferred.

Skills

Ability to cook for large numbers.
Ability to motivate and coach individuals.
Ability to organize and prioritize duties.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills.
Ability to use independent judgment to accomplish goals.
Utilize creativity to create list of nutritious meals.
Knowledge of commercial kitchen operation.
Willingness to learn and ability to take constructive criticism.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Work Environment

Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
Position requires a lot of repetitive motion: lifting, pushing, and carrying.
Ability to lift 30 lbs.
Ability to work in areas with extreme heat conditions and frequent interaction with gas burners, heated equipment, grease, sharp machinery, and other at-risk conditions.