Lead Cook

Do you love creating nutritious meals and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented kitchen? The Alfond Youth & Community Center is looking for a Lead Cook to help fuel the children and families we serve. In this hands-on role, you’ll assist in leading kitchen staff in preparing and serving healthy, delicious meals and snacks while helping maintain a welcoming, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment.

Essential Functions

• Prepare and serve healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for AYCC childcare programs including Pre-School, After-School, Summer Enrichment, and Teen Program participants.
• Work with the Food & Nutrition Services Director to prepare and distribute a monthly menu of meals and snacks that meet or exceed U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] standards appropriate for the persons served.
• Maintain order, safety, sanitation, and general cleanliness in accordance with the State of Maine Health Department rules and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of number of children served and production records including temperatures.
• Understand and prepare for allergies and/or other relevant health information that may affect the child in case of injury, behavior, or mental well-being.
• Work with the Food & Nutrition Services Director to maintain records and prepare reports and claims necessary to comply with the requirements of Maine Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS]
• Prepare and serve for special functions as directed.
• Recommend needed supplies within budget limitations.

Skills & Competencies

• Commercial (large scale) cooking
• Temperament that encourages confidence, trust, and respect from the members, staff, and public within the mission of the Alfond Youth & Community Center
• Organizational skills & attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment, both independently and as a team.
• Computer competency including the ability to prepare & produce reports
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Critical thinking
• Flexibility
• A valid driver’s license with a clean record

WORK SCHEDULE: 40 hours. Primary hours will take place Mon-Fri but schedule will vary; weekends will be required throughout the year.

Requirements KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• A high school education or a GED equivalence is preferred.
• Knowledge of, and adherence to, food safety practices and procedure is required. ServSafe certification or ability to obtain certification is required.

Experience

• One to three years of experience cooking in a school, medical, or commercial environment is essential.
• Experience working around elementary school aged children and enjoying working in this environment is essential.

AYCC is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workplace environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.