Inspiration Corporation–Catalyst for Self-Reliance : Careers : Oportunities and Qualifications

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This section contains information about our available job opportunities. Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. current opportunities INSPIRATION KITCHENS-GARFIELD PARK, CATERING COORDINATOR Overview: In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and housing. Serving as a catalyst for self-reliance, Inspiration Corporation has helped more than 10,000 Chicagoans in need since 1989. One of the ways that Inspiration Corporation helps people to become self-sufficient is through job training in food service. Inspiration Kitchens is a comprehensive training program designed to equip its participants with basic culinary skills necessary for employment in food service. Inspiration Kitchens-Garfield Park, which opened spring 2011, is an expansion of the existing Inspiration Kitchens program. The public face of the project is a family-oriented restaurant featuring healthier options. However, selected working poor families are also able to dine there for free. The restaurant also includes a training center to teach food service skills to low-income job seekers, as well as a contract meals and catering business. As part of the Training team, the Catering Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing and developing the catering of Inspiration Kitchens, while meeting customer expectations, food and hygiene standards and financial targets. The Catering Coordinator is a part-time position. Reports to: General Manager Skills and Qualifications: Acquire new customers and maintain standing customer base. Develop relationships through networking, cold-calling, attending industry events and other methods. Solicit venues for inclusion on preferred vendor lists. Create sales material and work with Executive Chef to develop a portfolio of menus for a variety of occasions. Oversee catering jobs and private parties from initial conception with the client through delivery of the event. Maintain all records of events and a database of contacts. Make deliveries when necessary. Follow up with clients to obtain feedback on events. Maintain and provide a list of referrals to services not provide by Inspiration Kitchens (e.g. florists). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. A resume & cover letter are required to apply for this position. Please include "Catering Coordinator" in the subject line of your email. Contact: Inspiration Corporation 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207 Chicago, Illinois 60640 Attn: General Manager E-mail: resumes@inspirationcorp.org Fax: 773-878-3114 INSPIRATION KITCHENS-GARFIELD PARK, PROGRAM ASSISTANT Overview: In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and housing. Serving as a catalyst for self-reliance, Inspiration Corporation has helped more than 10,000 Chicagoans in need since 1989. One of the ways that Inspiration Corporation helps people to become self-sufficient is through job training in food service. Inspiration Kitchens is a comprehensive training program designed to equip its participants with basic culinary skills necessary for employment in food service. Inspiration Kitchens - Garfield Park is an expansion of the existing Inspiration Kitchens program. The public face of the project is a family-oriented restaurant featuring healthier options. However, selected working poor families are also able to dine there for free. The restaurant also includes a training center to teach food service skills to low-income job seekers, as well as a contract meals and catering business. The Program Assistant is a member of the Inspiration Kitchens program and provides administrative support to all staff at the Garfield Park location. The position is for forty hours per week. This position is transitional and is one-year placement with the agency. Some of the major responsibilities include: attend to phones, take messages and provide assistance to support staff in regards to ordering office supplies, and general office duties such as filing and organizing. Respond to inquiries about the Inspiration Kitchens program, inform people about the program requirements and benefits and provide quality customer service. Process new enrollments of participants. Enter all intake and assessment information into agency database and develop and maintain a filing system for program participants' folders and a master list of the enrolled participants. Prepare for and assist Inspiration Kitchens staff in presenting the training program to prospective participants at shelter sites and at the bi-monthly orientations. Assist Inspiration Kitchens staff in follow-up services to program participants; Prepare written correspondence and contact program participants via telephone to update education, employment and housing status. Maintain record keeping procedures which include writing on participants' progress in case notes and assisting Inspiration Kitchens staff in preparation for program audits. Contact and confirm participant attendance for case management appointments. Sign-up all interested participants for Community Voice Mail (CVM). Obtain and maintain all paperwork for participant enrollments and exits. Submit all paperwork in a timely fashion to the Community Voice Mail Manager. Available: February 2012 Reports to: General Manager Skills and Qualifications: Proficiency in Windows XP, Word and Excel. Some experience with database entry and management is preferred. Interest in gaining experience in social services. Strong commitment to personal and professional development and good writing skills required. Graduation from Inspiration Kitchens or The Employment Project is required. A preference for candidates who have worked with the homeless or impoverished populations. High school graduate or equivalent preferred. Maintains standard office hours. Attends evening, weekend, and early morning meetings and functions as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. A resume & cover letter are required to apply for this position. Please include "Program Assistant" in the subject line of your email. Contact: Inspiration Corporation 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207 Chicago, Illinois 60640 Attn: General Manager E-mail: resumes@inspirationcorp.org Fax: 773-878-3114 PLEASE NOTE: Inspiration Corporation is not currently hiring for the positions of Server and Dishwasher. However, if you wish to submit your resume for future consideration please feel free to submit one to resumes@inspirationcorp.org for Human Resources to keep on file. Thank you. INSPIRATION KITCHENS, SERVER Overview: In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and housing. Serving as a catalyst for self-reliance, Inspiration Corporation has helped more than 10,000 Chicagoans in need since 1989. Inspiration Kitchens, a for-profit restaurant, is a branch of Inspiration Corporation; restaurant sales go directly into Inspiration Corporation's programs. Inspiration Kitchens also has a culinary training program. Inspiration Kitchens Training is a comprehensive training program designed to equip its participants with basic culinary skills necessary for employment in food service. As part of the Training team, the Server is responsible for providing excellent table service to Inspiration Kitchens customers. Responsibilities include: working closely with kitchen staff and students; stock rotation and helping out in various other projects throughout the business; providing quality food and beverages; maintaining quality store operations; contributing to store’s profitability; taking responsibility to learn all aspects of the Server position. The Server is a part-time position. Reports to: Front of House Manager Skills and Qualifications: Cashier and Serving experience is preferred, but will gladly train. High School Diploma or GED. A valid photo ID including Social Security number. Valid food service sanitation manager’s certificate a plus. Flexibility in scheduling is a plus. Required to have current negative TB results. Additional requirements include: the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; knowing the functioning of the restaurant and how to communicate effectively between the front of house and the back of house; memorizing and using the established service system; knowing the menu well, including all ingredients and topping options; working hard and multitasking, while maintaining focus in a fast-paced environment; working as a member of the restaurant team with a positive attitude; upholding an atmosphere of dignity and respect; consistent and timely attendance; attend staff meetings and training scheduled by upper management. Works hours in accordance with the demands of restaurant services, which may include early mornings, days, evenings and weekends. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. A resume & cover letter are required to apply for this position. Please include "Server" in the subject line of your email. Contact: Inspiration Corporation 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207 Chicago, Illinois 60640 Attn: Front of House Manager E-mail: resumes@inspirationcorp.org Fax: 773-878-3114 INSPIRATION KITCHENS, DISHWASHER Overview: In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and housing. Serving as a catalyst for self-reliance, Inspiration Corporation has helped more than 10,000 Chicagoans in need since 1989. One of the ways that Inspiration Corporation helps people to become self-sufficient is through job training in food service. Inspiration Kitchens is a comprehensive training program designed to equip its participants with basic culinary skills necessary for employment in food service. Inspiration Kitchens - Garfield Park is an expansion of the existing Inspiration Kitchens program. The public face of the project is a family-oriented restaurant featuring healthier options. However, selected working poor families are also able to dine there for free. The restaurant also includes a training center to teach food service skills to low-income job seekers, as well as a contract meals and catering business. As part of the Training team, the Dishwasher is responsible for the overall cleanliness of the kitchen, public areas and staff areas. The Dishwasher assists in general restaurant cleaning and maintenance and works together with the Chef to organize all shelving and all storage areas. A positive attitude is required at all times and must uphold an atmosphere of dignity and respect. The Dishwasher is a full-time position. Reports to: General Manager Skills and Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of 6 months of experience or related experience. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Must be capable of lifting a maximum of 25 lbs. Required to have current negative TB test result. Consistent and timely attendance; possess ability to provide exceptional customer service; completion of all assigned duties and additional duties as given; maintain a professional and respectful relationship with Inspiration Kitchens students and staff; attends staff meetings and trainings scheduled by upper management. Demonstrated ability to: handle stress under pressure; multi-task; work effectively and efficiently; assist students in kitchen cleaning and sanitizing procedures. Works hours in accordance with the demands of restaurant services, which may include early mornings, days, evenings and weekends. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. A resume & cover letter are required to apply for this position. Please include "Dishwasher" in the subject line of your email. Contact: Inspiration Corporation 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207 Chicago, Illinois 60640 Attn: General Manager E-mail: resumes@inspirationcorp.org Fax: 773-878-3114

our mission
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are
affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency
through the provision of social services, employment training and placement, and housing.

Inspiration Corporation is a proud member of the
United Way of Metro Chicago.

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