Shelter Environment Specialist
Full Time • CCSS Shelter
Benefits:
- 403 (b) match
- 403 (b)
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Training & development
- Vision insurance
About this role:
The Shelter Environment Specialist is responsible for the overall coordination preparation of balanced meals for shelter residents. The Shelter Environment Specialist directly reports to the Director of Shelter Operations to address needs in the Residential program. This role will involve planning and preparing healthy meals for all shelter residents, providing childcare for client groups and activities, offering support to the residential team, and maintenance/ upkeep of the shelter kitchen. This position ensures that survivors feel welcome, and that the facility meets their needs. The position demands a high level of compassion, knowledge of food preparation and sanitation, and the ability to follow agency policies.
Schedule: 12PM-8PM shifts / Other Hours: evenings/weekends/holidays as needed.
About Crisis Center for South Suburbia:
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit organization committed to providing emergency shelter and essential services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. We serve thousands of individuals annually across the south suburban Chicago area, offering a comprehensive range of support services. We value inclusivity, professionalism, and ethical service delivery, and we encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
General Duties:
Culinary/ Food Program:
- Plans all meals, utilizing donated foods as much as possible, and construct weekly shopping lists for remaining needed items to complete a full meal plan.
- Prepares all meals for adult and child shelter residents (20-45 people)
- Responsible for meal clean up.
- Ensure kitchen is stocked with appropriate food supplies for breakfast/snacks and planned meals.
- Shop for food weekly.
- Creatively incorporate donated food items into menus to assist in reducing agency direct food costs.
- Consult regarding any dietary restrictions and preferences.
- Maintains all necessary written documentation as required by the health department, USDA, and other governing bodies and/or funders.
- Responsible for the coordination of all donor meals for shelter clients as well as tracking meals on donor calendar and coordinating with Director of Shelter Operations and ordering food from restaurants for donated meals, holidays, and when needed.
- Create and maintain a system to properly track and record the distribution of meals and provide monthly reports to shelter leadership.
- Maintains a clean, orderly, and sanitary shelter kitchen and pantry area, including regular and thorough cleaning of appliances, walls, cabinets, shelves, etc.,
- Conduct weekly menu planning meetings
- Maintain logs, cleaning rotations and safety drills
Operational and Administrative Duties
Manage shelter cleanliness and organization, completing light housekeeping duties in other areas of shelter outside kitchen, and ensuring the living environment is safe and clean.
Manage shelter cleanliness and organization, completing light housekeeping duties in other areas of shelter outside kitchen, and ensuring the living environment is safe and clean.
- Complete daily shift reports, ensuring comprehensive documentation of client interactions, activities, and any issues that arise.
- Maintain accurate records, including Empower entries and client documentation, in coordination with the Data Entry Clerk.
- Assist with the training and support of new staff, volunteers, and interns.
- Ensure all shelter kitchen supplies are adequately stocked and organized.
- Accept and manage in-kind donations, ensuring proper documentation and receipt forms are completed.
- Obtain and maintain all required certifications for food handling/safety and preparation and required by code
- Maintain compliance with local fire and health safety codes in the kitchen.
- Report any maintenance or pest control issues immediately to the Operations Team.
- Complete monthly inventory audits and submit reports to the Director of Shelter Operations.
- Participate in safety drills and training for food-related emergencies (fire, contamination, allergy response).
Education Required:
· Bachelor’s degree
Experience Required:
· 1-3 years of experience working with youth, domestic violence survivors, or community education programs preferred
Other Requirements:
· 40 Hour DV Training within 90 days of start
· ICDVP Certification within 1 year of start
Location:
This position is based in the south suburban Chicago area, providing convenient access to schools and community partners within the region.
· Bachelor’s degree
Experience Required:
· 1-3 years of experience working with youth, domestic violence survivors, or community education programs preferred
Other Requirements:
· 40 Hour DV Training within 90 days of start
· ICDVP Certification within 1 year of start
Location:
This position is based in the south suburban Chicago area, providing convenient access to schools and community partners within the region.
Compensation: $48,500.00 - $51,500.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia has been providing hope and services to victims of domestic violence for over 40 years through housing, counseling, advocacy, outreach and prevention programs. We are a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence and addresses the societal issues that contribute to domestic violence. With a staff of more than 50 employees and a budget of over four million dollars, the Crisis Center continues to grow while offering free services to Chicago’s south suburban communities.
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