Cook

Position Summary

Responsible for the overall preparation, planning and serving of congregate and home-delivered meals for senior center services.

This position has supervisory direct reports who oversee 10-20 direct reports

Essential Functions:

% of Time

Leadership

• Assists the senior center meal program reach contractual objectives and goals.
• Complies with AllThrive 365 policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Supervises Assistant Cook and volunteers in preparation and serving of congregate and home-delivered meals, ensuring that portion, temperature, and sanitation standards are maintained.
• Plans a six-week menu cycle in accordance with applicable nutrition standards.
• Purchases food items and supplies, and ensures proper storage of items to maintain quality, sanitation and accessibility for use.
• Performs a periodic survey of participants to assist in the planning of menu items and ensure quality is maintained.
• Supervises the operation and maintenance of equipment and tools used for preparation and serving, with special emphasis on sanitation requirements and cleanliness.
• Supervises and trains Assistant Cook, volunteers and other temporary kitchen helpers.
• Supervises the cleaning of the kitchen and associated equipment to ensure cleanliness and sanitation requirements are met.
• Assists with special programs conducted by the staff or volunteer organizations.

95%

Miscellaneous

• Other duties as assigned

5%

Requirements

Education/Experience/Credentials/Knowledge/Understanding

• Associates degree in nutrition or food services, or equivalent experience
• Three years’ experience in planning, preparation and serving of large quantities of food. (Formal training in food services may substitute for experience.)
• Extensive knowledge of handling, preparation and cooking of food items in quantities necessary for 100-150 meals.
• Basic knowledge of nutritional requirements for seniors.
• Extensive knowledge of sanitation requirements, standards and procedures.
• Ability to read and follow approved recipes and menus.
• Must not have any restrictions for physical work for which reasonable accommodation cannot be made.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with older adults, adults with physical disabilities, and adults experiencing mental health issues
• Possess a Safe Serv Certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of position entry
• Possess a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by AllThrive 365
• Possess CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain within 60 days of position entry
• Clear fingerprint background screening through the Department of Public Safety and comprehensive background clearance to include a physical, drug screen and other
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Preferred:

• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Kitchen management experience.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and demeanor with the ability to build rapport and garner trust with others
• Strong organizational, planning and time management skills
• Proficient in the use of a PC; in a Windows environment; in the use of the Internet; and in the use of MS Office Applications such as Outlook, Word and Excel

Abilities

• Able to comprehend, retain, and follow regulations and policies set out by Area of Agency on Aging Contract
• Willingness and ability to embody AllThrive 365’s core values:
  • COMPASSION
  • GROWTH
  • RESILIENCE
  • OPENNESS

WORKING CONDITIONS AND 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 position.

• Works in well-lit, ventilated kitchen. Kitchen environment is warm and humid from cooking and sanitation equipment.
• Works with or near machinery, sharp tools and refrigeration equipment.
• Requires reaching, stooping and moderate lifting of up to 25 lbs.
• Requires standing for prolonged periods.