Job Title: Cook - On-call
Department: Residential
Position Summary
The Cook plays a key role in preparing and serving wholesome, nutritious meals for youth in care. This position supports the kitchen team in cooking, baking, food preparation, and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment. The Cook ensures that dietary needs are met in accordance with meal plans and change orders from the Consulting Dietitian and the Health Services Department. All duties are performed in compliance with health and sanitation requirements, as well as HACCP guidelines.
Department
New Directions Youth amp; Family Services’ Residential program provides safe, supportive, and structured environments for youth. The kitchen team contributes directly to youth well-being by preparing meals that promote health and comfort in a home-like setting.
Agency
New Directions Youth amp; Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.
Compensation
$16.71 per hour, with additional raises guaranteed.
Hours/Schedule
Varies based on need, less than 25 hours a week. Available hours tend to fall between 5:00a and 6:30p
Professional Development Opportunities
Staff are provided with ongoing in-service training, supervision, and opportunities to expand their culinary skills and knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and large-scale food preparation.
Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities
Prepare nutritious meals according to approved menus and in proper quantities
Follow health, sanitation, and HACCP guidelines for all food preparation, labeling, and storage
Serve meals on time in compliance with standards
Cut and prepare meats as needed to meet menu requirements
Bake breads and pastries as assigned
Pull stock, receive deliveries, rotate inventory, and assist with stocking supplies
Clean and sanitize workstations after each use
Assist with washing dishes and general kitchen cleanup
Secure the dietary department and shut down properly at the end of each shift
Assist with special luncheons, dinners, or events as needed
Package food supplies for cottage meals when requested
Attend mandatory in-service trainings and supervision meetings
Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Supervisor
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of large-scale food preparation and commercial kitchen equipment (preferred)
Ability to work as part of a team and accept supervision
Ability to adapt to changing needs and maintain flexibility in the kitchen environment
Strong organizational and cleaning habits to ensure food safety compliance
Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with staff and youth from diverse backgrounds
Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED (required)
Valid NYS driver’s license held for at least one year (required)
One year of paid kitchen experience or culinary school training (preferred)
Must have adequate auto insurance and meet agency driving policy requirements
Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 2A classification)
Compliance with agency safety standards and safe workplace practices
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.