Community Solutions Inc. (CSI) is a nonprofit organization that promotes the responsible citizenship, accountability, and well-being of individuals and families involved, or at risk of involvement, in the child welfare, juvenile justice, or criminal justice system. Since CSIs founding in 1962, it has been a pioneer in the community-based service. We have been delivering supervision, treatment, and comprehensive individualized services to help clients interact more effectively in their communities and become productive citizens. Using this plan we built the first ever halfway house in New England which has now been replicated and grown to almost 50 programs in 9 states. For over 50 years, CSI has been building upon its successful foundations and has been expanding its services to serve thousands of adults, youth, and families each year.

CSI understands clients and staff have been impacted by trauma. CSI is becoming a trauma-informed organization by hiring individuals with existing experience in trauma-informed practices as well as supporting ongoing staff development with trauma-informed practices. This will include learning to recognize symptoms of trauma and how to respond, through training starting at orientation and throughout their career at CSI. CSI is committed to systematically evaluating the integration of the trauma-informed values of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment at all levels of the organization's policies, procedures, and structures to guard against the possibility of re-traumatization.

Program Overview

CSI is in need of a Program Cook for our Lisa's House Residential Program. Lisa's House is located in Plainville, CT. At Lisa's House, youth will find an array of comprehensive, client-specific treatment, services and interventions to help with emotional regulation, empowering adolescent females on decision-making and building healthy relationships, and boosting educational functioning. This will be accomplished through the implementation of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Position Overview

As a Program Cook, you will be responsible for the following: Plan and prepare three (3) nutritious meals for 8-12 people each day. Order supplies and ingredients, and purchase and retain appropriate serving and storage containers. Complete kitchen inventories and maintain a clean and orderly kitchen. Complete meal clean-up, store sharps appropriately, and maintain a hygienic environment in the kitchen and dining area.

Starting Wage: $19.00/hr

Schedules Available:

• Part time - 16 hours - Sat/Sun 7a-3pm

• In accordance with established menu cycles, prepare and serve food, Monday - Friday for all lunch and dinner meals and set aside food for a breakfast meal and evening snack.
• For Saturday and Sunday shifts, prepare a hot breakfast, lunch (when required) and prepare a dinner meal ahead of time, safely store, and include meal reheating instructions.
• Meet regularly with the residents to get input on food choices, feedback on past meals, and work together to develop menu options.
• Plan and prepare meals for special events (including Friday Family Game Night or similar)
• Prepare a variety of meal types, including vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, kosher, religious, and include a diverse menu that includes a variety of ethnic recipes.
• Engage residents in selecting nutritious recipes.
• Role model relational, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent behaviors, attitudes, and actions.
• Work in collaboration and partnership with program staff.
• Order/shop and restock supplies as needed, staying within the established budget.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and orderliness at all times.
• Ensure that all foods are safely stored.
• Supervise youth assisting in meal preparation, when appropriate.
• Maintain personal cleanliness at all times, including clean hands and fingernails, a clean apron and garments, and appropriate use of hairnets or hats. Plastic gloves should be used as required.
• Clean and sanitize work space before and following all food-related activities.
• Communicate to the Program Director or designee, any relevant information pertaining to food services issues, including any deviations from the approved menu or from established procedures or policy.
• Ensure compliance with all city, state and federal health codes.
• Maintain knowledge of regulations related to food received from the Food Bank or other sources whose use is restricted, and ensure compliance with these regulations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of and abide by CSI's programs, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree preferred; high school diploma or GED required
• Must be willing to obtain your Serve Safe, by taking the course offered
• At least 2 years of experience in human services.
• At least 1 year of experience preparing nutritious meals.
• Preference for individuals who have experience working with adolescent girls

Additional Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement savings plan with automatic enrollment and a company match of 100% up to 4% of your contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement after 1 year service.
• Ongoing training.

CSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/Disability/Vet. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.