Hale Kau Kau seeks an experienced cook to prepare and serve hot, nutritious meals for our community on an on‑call basis. Responsibilities include cooking in quantity, following food‑safety guidelines, and working alongside volunteers in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven kitchen. Ideal candidates have prior food‑service experience, a current food‑handler card, and a heart for serving neighbors in need.
HALE KAU KAU COOK
JOB DESCRIPTION
REPORTS TO: Hale Kau Kau Program Director
SUPERVISES: Directs activities of volunteers while in the kitchen
SCOPE: Assists the Lead Cook in the proper management of the Hale Kau Kau kitchen
Responsible for the operation of the kitchen and preparation and delivery of meals both to the homebound and on-site, on call - generally on weekends but also other days as needed
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Meal Preparation
Prepare nutritious meals and beverages with assistance of volunteers, making adjustments based on available resources, with special attention to nutrition, cost, portion sizes, variety, and use of food on hand
Supervises kitchen volunteers, directing the preparation of meals and assigning tasks
Supervises serving and organization of meals for the homebound
Supervises serving and distribution of meals on site (at the “window”)
Ensures that standard operating procedures and safety guidelines are adhered to by all staff and volunteers
Supply Management
Responsible for “shopping” (food pick-up from) the Maui Food Bank in cooperation with the Lead Cook and Program Director
Receives food donations and deliveries of purchased food during his/her shift, checking contents for accuracy and quality, ensuring proper storage, and processing invoices appropriately
Helps in the inventory and rotation of food and supplies and advises the Lead Cook regarding levels of food and supplies for the kitchen for ordering and restocking
Makes decisions regarding the use and disposal of donated and purchased food to ensure high quality and freshness of products, including disposal of old bread and food supplies to be donated to Keolahou Congregational Church
Informs Program Director if old bread needs to be picked up and/or food items need to be donated to other non-profit organizations
Kitchen Maintenance
Advises the Program Director if any concerns noted regarding the implementation of the requirements of the Department of Health
Ensures that the kitchen and all equipment are working properly and well maintained and reports any kitchen maintenance issues or concerns to the Lead Cook or Program Director
Ensures that the kitchen and all equipment are properly cleaned at the end of serving
Ensures that pantry and storage areas are clean and organized at end of shift
Ensures that kitchen doors, storage areas, and walk-in cooler door are locked and secure and air conditioning, lights, exhaust fan, ceiling fan and all faucets are turned off at the end of shift
General
Provides input to the Lead Cook or Program Director regarding effective procedures and work schedules for cooks, and volunteers to meet the needs of the program
Assists in preparation of meals for special events, such as Thanksgiving luncheon, Fundraisers, Christmas luncheon, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Volunteer Appreciation event, and St. Theresa Church events as assigned
Works closely with the Lead Cook on all aspects of food preparation, including coverage for illnesses, vacations, etc.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working in food and/or catering service (large group experience preferred)
Excellent time management and organizational skills with good attention to detail and task orientation
Strong sense of service and a desire to help others
Good interpersonal skills
Can speak, read and write English
Cooperative team player, as working closely and cooperatively with the other Hale Kau Kau staff as well as St. Theresa Church staff and parishioners is required
Good knowledge of the Department of Health requirements and regulations
Valid Hawaii driver’s license and willingness and ability to operate the Hale Kau Kau van
Must have tuberculosis clearance and valid Hawaii food handlers certificate
Good ethics, morals, and sound judgment
Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Must be willing to work occasional evenings, weekend days/evenings, or holidays when an event requires
Must demonstrate at all times a respectful and sympathetic sensitivity to the teachings and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church
Must be able to pass background check conducted by an agency authorized by the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii
For more information or to apply: https://www.hrsymphony.com/hrs/route/position/14592/H8BV