Cook

Pay: $13.00 per hour
Job Type: Part-Time
Positions Available: 2
Schedule: Breakfast/Lunch Shift or Dinner/Snack Shift; weekends and holidays as scheduled
Work Location: In person

About the Position

We are seeking two dependable and organized Part-Time Cooks to prepare and serve meals for residents in a residential treatment setting.

These positions are specifically responsible for meal preparation, meal service, dishwashing, and maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen. The Dinner/Snack Cook will also be responsible for properly labeling and storing food and completing necessary food preparation for the following day.

The two positions will be divided into:

Breakfast/Lunch Cook – Responsible for preparing and serving breakfast and lunch and completing all dishwashing and kitchen cleanup associated with these meals.

Dinner/Snack Cook – Responsible for preparing and serving dinner and snacks, completing all dishwashing and kitchen cleanup, properly labeling and storing food, and preparing necessary food items for the following day.

Essential Responsibilities

• Prepare assigned meals and snacks according to established menus and meal schedules.
• Follow recipes, portion guidelines, and established food preparation procedures.
• Ensure meals are prepared and ready to be served at scheduled meal times.
• Serve meals to residents as assigned.
• Follow documented dietary requirements, food allergies, and special dietary instructions.
• Maintain safe food temperatures and follow proper food handling and sanitation procedures.
• Wash and sanitize dishes, cookware, utensils, serving items, and food preparation equipment after meals.
• Clean and sanitize countertops, sinks, stovetops, appliances, food preparation areas, and other kitchen surfaces.
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors as needed and at the end of the assigned shift.
• Remove kitchen trash and properly dispose of waste.
• Keep the kitchen, dishwashing area, and food preparation areas clean, organized, and sanitary throughout the shift.
• Properly store leftover food and ingredients after meal preparation and service.
• Ensure the kitchen is completely cleaned and ready for the next meal shift before leaving.
• Follow all facility policies related to food preparation, sanitation, and kitchen safety.

Additional Dinner/Snack Shift Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities above, the Dinner/Snack Cook will:

• Properly label and date prepared foods, leftovers, and opened food products.
• Store food in the appropriate refrigerator, freezer, or dry-storage area.
• Follow First-In, First-Out (FIFO) practices when storing and organizing food.
• Review the following day's menu and determine what preparation is needed.
• Complete food preparation for the following day, such as thawing approved items, portioning ingredients, chopping or preparing food items, and organizing necessary ingredients.
• Ensure prepared items are properly covered, labeled, dated, and stored.
• Leave the kitchen organized and prepared for the Breakfast/Lunch Cook to begin the following day's meal preparation.

QualificationsRequired

• Texas Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Basic knowledge of food preparation and safe food handling.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, and instructions.
• Ability to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work the assigned meal schedule, including weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Preferred

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) credential.
• Previous cooking or food service experience.
• Experience preparing meals in a residential, healthcare, school, shelter, cafeteria, or similar setting.
• Food Manager Certification.

Knowledge and Skills

• Basic cooking and food preparation skills.
• Safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• Proper dishwashing and kitchen cleaning procedures.
• Proper food storage, labeling, and dating procedures.
• Ability to follow established menus and meal schedules.
• Time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and complete assigned duties within the scheduled shift.
• Attention to cleanliness and detail.
• Reliability and punctuality.

Physical Requirements

Employees must be able to:

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Bend, squat, reach, push, and pull as necessary to perform kitchen duties.
• Perform repetitive food preparation, dishwashing, and cleaning tasks.
• Work safely around hot surfaces, steam, water, and kitchen equipment.
• Safely operate kitchen appliances, utensils, and equipment.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for employees who are dependable, clean, organized, and consistent. The ideal candidate understands that preparing meals and maintaining a sanitary kitchen are equally important parts of the position.

Employees are expected to complete all assigned meal preparation, dishwashing, and kitchen cleaning responsibilities before the end of each shift.

The Dinner/Snack Cook is also expected to leave food properly labeled and stored and complete the necessary preparation so the kitchen is ready for the following day's breakfast and lunch service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Pay: $13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 6.0 – 30.0 per week

Work Location: In person