Production Support Specialist

Job Title: Production Support Specialist
Department: Restaurant Operations
Reports to: Restaurant Chef
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time
Salary: $20.60/Hour

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OVERVIEW:
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.

In order to help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant-driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.

Inspiration Kitchens is the social enterprise restaurant, catering and foodservice training and employment program of Inspiration Corporation. The restaurant prepares contemporary American cuisine and is top-rated in the Chicagoland community (4+ stars on Yelp, featured on Check Please!). Inspiration Kitchens’ culinary skills job training program for low-income job seekers equips participants with basic culinary, sanitation and restaurant operations skills and offers participants paid, on-the-job experience. Revenue from Inspiration Kitchens’ restaurant and catering helps to support the larger goals of Inspiration Corporation and its mission.

At Inspiration Corporation, employees embody our mission by demonstrating the following Core Values:

• Integrity – We cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability.
• Growth – We encourage personal development, curiosity and being open to new possibilities.
• Equity – We recognize each person’s inherent rights and advocate for inclusive access to resources and opportunities.
• Resilience – We persevere and seek solutions that celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, while practicing and encouraging self-care.
• Hospitality – We create uplifting, accepting, and nourishing connections with everyone who comes through our doors.

Inspiration Corporation believes that these values are central to our work with participants and one another, and they create a culture we all have a stake in.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Production Support Specialist supports the restaurant and catering operations to fulfill customers’ orders and is part of the Restaurant Operations team, which along with the Foodservice Training & Employment team, make up the Inspiration Kitchens Social Enterprise team . The Production Support Specialist sets up workstations, prepares and cooks ingredients so that food can be prepared according to recipes, performs basic cooking duties, such as reducing sauces and parboiling food, and prepares simple dishes, such as salads and entrees. This position requires effective communication between the “front and back of house” relating to the flow of service, the ability to multi-task and maintain focus in a fast-paced environment. The Production Support Specialist works closely with kitchen staff, catering staff, and foodservice training staff and students.

GENERAL DUTIES:

• Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation’s Core Values.
• Uphold Policies and Procedures of Inspiration Corporation and Inspiration Kitchens.
• Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all aspects of performance.
• Maintain a safe environment inside kitchen and throughout facility.
• Be proactive in approach to pest control with guidance from supervisor.
• Follow health, safety, and sanitation guidelines for all products.
• Attend required trainings and department and agency meetings.
• Be flexible with hours for special events throughout the year.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Food Production

• Assist the Restaurant Chef with preparation of food needed for catering and the restaurant .
• Assist with stocking and setting up the kitchen stations.
• Prepare food, including cleaning and cutting the ingredients and cooking main dishes, desserts, appetizers and snacks.
• Plate prepared foods based on the Restaurant Chef’s guidance.
• Work with servers to ensure that orders are completed according to request and on time.
• Wash and clean the kitchen and cooking utensils and store the equipment at the end of shifts.
• Ensure that the kitchen operation procedures and hygiene meet food safety standards and regulations.
• Provide quality food and beverages consistently for all customers.
• Follow restaurant policies and procedures for operational flow at each station.
• Assist in the set up and break down for restaurant service and catering events.
• Follow standards for merchandising, inventory, stocking, rotating, and storing all products.
• Perform cleaning tasks, uphold cleaning standards and work as a team member.
• Prioritize work to accomplish daily, weekly and monthly tasks as assigned by supervisor.
• Report needs of essential working supplies within a 3-business day notice.

Team Coordination & Communication

• Support Contracted Meals Chef and other team members.
• Support Foodservice Training team and students as needed.
• Report supply needs, equipment issues, or delivery discrepancies.
• Support meal distribution setup and clean-up as scheduled.

Food Recovery & Sustainability

• Support and assist with coordinating and organizing recovered food from partners, including Green City Market.
• Help record weights and types of donated goods to maintain accurate donation data.
• Support proper storage, rotation, and organization of recovered items to ensure freshness and food safety.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the education, experience and skills necessary for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• A valid City of Chicago Food Safety Manager Certification required and must be obtained within 30 days of position start date. (Inspiration Corporation will cover costs of training and licensing).
• Patience with the ability to stay positive, complete work on time while maintaining focus in a fast-paced environment.
• A team player that communicates effectively. A clean driving record is required, along with a current, valid, state issued driver’s license.
• A Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) demonstrating a clean driving record must be provided.
• Able to follow instructions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and stand for long periods. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Production Support Specialist is a part-time position, working up to 29 hours per week in accordance with the demands of meals, catering and restaurant services; work hours may include early mornings, days, evenings and weekends.

Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.