Per Diem Assistant Chef REGIONS Site Secure Program

One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.

Join a mission-driven team working to advance equity, inclusion, systemic change, and criminal justice reform. We support our employees with comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and a workplace centered on well-being. Eligibility for the benefits below varies by work schedule.

• Retirement: May be eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after 60 days of employment dependent on number of hours worked in plan year.
• Paid time off: sick leave earned on hours worked.
• Employee support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Workplace culture: A supportive environment focused on employee health, wellness, and meaningful work.

CPA is guided by our BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) culture. WE ARE COMMITTED to building and maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and COMPELLED to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our BEDI culture at https://cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey/

The REGIONS Site Secure Program is a secure residential treatment program for up to 16 male youth. The mission of the program is to provide a home-like environment with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-specific, linguistically appropriate, strengths-based, and relationship-driven milieu for the youth to help them improve their social, physical and emotional well-being. Our vision is to therapeutically intervene in the cycle of offending to reduce the youth’s risk factors and prevent them from transitioning into the adult justice system. Our treatment philosophy is one that is individualized, designed to help the youth develop a positive self-image, learn effective coping skills, experience success, gain confidence, build positive relationships, achieve behavioral changes and re-enter their communities better equipped to succeed.

The high-risk youth in this program will likely have a history of violence and be of significant risk for future violence. They may be a significant risk to public safety and demonstrate chronic and persistent patterns of violent or public safety offenses. The youth may present with multiple complex needs that are challenging to treat and a history of poor treatment attitude and response. The youth may exhibit escalating antisocial sophistication. Their AWOL risk is high in context of low treatment amenability and if they elope, they will likely engage in violent or public safety offenses.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED. At least one year of experience with food ordering and meal preparation in a group setting. Possess a clear understanding of the State of Connecticut’s food service regulations and experience in meeting all Department of Health regulations. Must be a certified Qualified Food Operator or able to qualify, and able to instruct all staff in food preparation. Capacity to provide vocational training to program youth. Ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; decision making, communication, interpersonal and organizational/ prioritization skills. Adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness and emotional intelligence. Must share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity to succeed. Must have and maintain a valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation. Willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

• →Assist Chef in planning and preparing approximately 200 healthy and home-like meals daily.
• →As requested, assist with inventory and preparing food orders.
• →Follow dietary guidelines as determined by licensed dietician.
• →Maintain sanitation in accordance with agency specifications and the Health Department.
• →Monitor Fire Safety Standards in accordance with local and state law.
• →Provide vocational training to youth on food service and safe food handling procedures.
• →Comply with all program policies and procedures.
• →Establish and maintain professional boundaries with all staff and youth.
• →Serve as a role model to youth and staff modeling pro-social behavior.
• →Participate in all required training.
• →Perform all other duties as required.