Food Manager

Position/Title: Food Manager

Hope House on Crotona Park

Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice, Inc.

Job Summary:

The Food Manager for Hope House on Crotona Park (HHCP) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service operations, including meal planning, food ordering, inventory control, and supervision of kitchen staff, within the residential alternative-to-incarceration program for a population living with Serious Mental Illness. The Food Manager ensures that all meals meet nutritional standards, adhere to food safety regulations, and support the therapeutic community model by engaging residents in meaningful participation in kitchen and meal preparation activities.

The Food Manager works collaboratively with the Program Director, Residence Supervisors, and other staff to create a structured, healthy, and community-oriented dining experience for all residents. Working within a Work-Ordered Day model, this position also provides direct training and supervision to residents participating in the Hope House kitchen crew, helping them develop vocational, teamwork, and life skills, including preparation for obtaining a New York City Food Handler’s License.

This position reports directly to the Program Director.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Plan, organize, and oversee daily meal preparation and service for residents and staff, ensuring balanced, nutritious, and culturally appropriate menus.
2. Order food and kitchen supplies, maintain inventory, and ensure cost-effective and timely procurement of all food items.
3. Hire, train, and supervise kitchen staff, including cooks, ensuring compliance with agency policies and food safety standards.
4. Oversee the cleanliness, safety, and maintenance of the kitchen, dining, and food storage areas in accordance with Department of Health regulations.
5. Supervise and assist the resident kitchen crew, modeling teamwork, accountability, and positive communication in accordance with the therapeutic community approach.
6. Provide structured training to residents in basic culinary skills, food safety, sanitation, and nutrition education.
7. Develop and deliver a training curriculum that enables interested residents to obtain their Food Handler’s License.
8. Maintain all required documentation, including menus, temperature logs, cleaning checklists, and training records.
9. Ensure compliance with all applicable city, state, and federal food service and sanitation guidelines.
10. Collaborate with program leadership to develop special menus for events, holidays, and therapeutic activities.
11. Monitor kitchen budget and expenditures and report regularly to the Program Director.
12. Support the mission and structure of the therapeutic community by promoting cooperation, accountability, and mutual respect within the kitchen environment.
13. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Director or agency leadership.

Minimum qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, nutrition, or hospitality management preferred.
2. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in food service management, preferably in a residential, institutional, or therapeutic setting.
3. Valid New York City Food Protection Certificate required.
4. Demonstrated ability to plan and prepare large-scale meals and manage food inventories efficiently.
5. Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers in a kitchen or food service environment.
6. Knowledge of the Department of Health food safety regulations and HACCP standards.
7. Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and ability to multitask.
8. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to train and motivate both staff and residents.
9. Must be computer literate and capable of maintaining electronic records and reports.
10. Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, as program needs require.

The essential functions of the job include:

1. Overseeing all food service operations and ensuring compliance with safety and nutrition standards.
2. Supervising and training staff and residents in food preparation, hygiene, and kitchen management.
3. Maintaining accurate records and efficient food ordering and inventory systems.
4. Demonstrating reliability, professionalism, and regular attendance.
5. Upholding the mission, values, and therapeutic community principles of Hope House and the Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice, Inc.

Salary $50,000