General Description
Spectrum Community Services’ Senior Meals Program enhances the quality of life for older adults by providing nutritious meals, opportunities for social connection, and a welcoming environment that fosters dignity and independence. Offered at community dining sites throughout Alameda County, the program serves those ages 60 and better who are not yet homebound, helping them remain active, engaged, and supported. By joining our team, you will play a vital role in ensuring that seniors receive not only a healthy meal but also the companionship and sense of belonging that are so essential to well-being.
The Partner Site Meals Coordinator is responsible for overseeing back-of-house and operational functions at Spectrum’s partner site, San Leandro Senior Center, with an emphasis on kitchen operations, food service logistics, and safety compliance. This role ensures efficient meal production and service, proper inventory and supply management, and adherence to food safety and sanitation standards, while supporting a well-run and reliable meal program environment.
We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because they don’t match every single bullet point – we suggest, please apply anyway. We don’t believe in a “perfect” candidate - if you believe this is a role that you’ll be excited to work in every day, want to be a part of a culture like ours, and show aptitude to learn while doing, please apply.
Primary Responsibilities
- Register all participants; ensure information is organized and current
- Oversee the foodservice distribution and activities at the partner site
- Assist in preparing a safe meal service environment
- Develop and implement outreach techniques to expand and maximize site participation
- Drive volunteer engagement at partner sites—recruiting, training, and recognizing volunteers—while partnering with the Volunteer Coordinator for support as needed
- Train and supervise volunteers to ensure sanitary safe meal distribution, meal service activities, and paperwork
- Report food-related problems to the Kitchen and Staff Manager immediately
- Create and maintain a warm, welcoming dining environment that promotes a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants
- Provide referrals to appropriate social service agencies as needed by site participants
- Follow all Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles
- Follow all ServSafe principles
- Ensure that record keeping is completed timely and accurately
- Attend all training sessions and staff meetings
- Participate in fund raising activities
- Assist with all aspects of meal service
- Perform other duties as assigned
The minimum qualifications, physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met or will be encountered by an employee while performing the primary responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.
We Need Someone Who Has:
- Experience in food service operation
- Possess a general understanding of the needs and problems of the elderly as a group
- Culinary math skills
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP, ServSafe standards and sanitation practices
- Current ServSafe Food Handler’s Certificate. Certification is required to continue employment.
- Valid CPR and First Aid certification prior to start date (or must obtain within 6 months of hire). Certification must be from an accredited provider recognized by the organization (e.g., Red Cross, American Heart Association)
- Able to work with minimal supervision
- Ability to pass a physical abilities test
- Must be able to read, speak and write English fluently
- Ability to communicate in a positive manner, both orally and in writing
- Must have own transportation for use on job, valid California Driver's License, proof of personal automobile insurance and acceptable driving record to our insurance provider
- Computer proficiency for scheduling, ordering, communicating, record keeping and meal production documentation
Nice to Have:
- Previous experience in community service preferred
- High School Diploma/GED
- Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese)
Dress Code
All ServSafe rules must be followed including:
- Fingernails are to be kept short. No false nails, nail polish, or false eyelashes allowed.
- No jewelry, such as necklaces, dangling earrings, watches, or bracelets.
- Only jewelry exceptions are plain metal band rings and small stud earrings.
Physical Demands
- This work requires the following physical abilities: climbing, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying and relocating 50lbs
- Finger dexterity for activities such as typing, use of the computer mouse, computer usage, recording money, grasping, repetitive motions
- Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus
- Handling kitchen equipment not limited to blazing hot ovens, blasting cold freezers, knives, and open flames
- Standing for long periods of time
Work Environment
- Noise level varies when working at the kitchen due to the use of the equipment
- Indoor work withstanding extreme temperatures, hot and cold in the kitchen
- Working in the kitchen involves potential hazards, including the risk of cuts from knives, burns from ovens and open flames, and the possibility of slips due to liquids
Vaccination Policy
To protect the health and safety of our team, clients, and community, vaccination against Influenza is mandatory for this role, while COVID vaccination is highly encouraged. Given the nature of this position, which involves working closely with vulnerable populations and interacting with the public, vaccination helps minimize the risk of preventable diseases and ensures a safe work environment. Employees who are not vaccinated due to medical or religious exemptions are required to wear a 3-Ply surgical mask, KN94, KN95, or N95 mask at all times while at work, including during interactions with clients and the public, from November 1 to April 30.
Company Description
Founded in 1971, Spectrum Community Services is a registered, private non-profit organization that assists low-income individuals, families, and seniors in their efforts to live independently. We offer—in partnership with local service organizations—a wide variety of community programs and services. Our long history of family tutorials and community outreach has advanced our mission of promoting our clients’ financial sustainability and improving the overall quality of their lives.
