James Barry Robinson Institute

We are seeking a dedicated, professional Cook to join our campus nutrition team in Norfolk, VA. This part-time position plays a key role in preparing meals in accordance with daily menus and supporting the overall operation of our kitchen—including inventory management, compliance documentation, and menu planning.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for food service and nutrition, especially those with experience in healthcare, senior living, or institutional cooking. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow your career and take advantage of professional development and promotion opportunities within our organization.

If you're passionate about food, committed to high standards, and interested in a meaningful role where your work truly impacts others—apply today and join our team!

Pay: $17.00 – $19.00/hour, based on relevant experience.

         $2.50 shift differential on the weekends 
 

Part-Time Schedule: some weekday and weekends shift between 7:30am to 6 pm. Must be able to work weekends. 
  * Please note that the total number of weekly hours may vary from week to week.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience handling all aspects of food preparation and kitchen equipment 
• Valid Norfolk Food Handler’s Certificate (or obtained shortly after hire); ServSafe Certification highly preferred
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs and push/pull carts exceeding 200 lbs
• Adherence to high personal hygiene and sanitation standards

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 1+ year of experience as a cook is required. Prior work in a restaurant, catering, or healthcare food service setting (e.g., hospital, rehab, or senior living) is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; respectful and supportive with both colleagues and residents and ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, particularly during busy service periods or last-minute changes.
• Must demonstrate understanding of common food allergies, dietary restrictions (diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.), and safe food handling practices to prevent cross-contamination.
• Experience with a variety of cooking methods and cuisines; ability to adapt to different menu needs.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare meals from menus planned by the Director or Production Manager.
• Prepare and decorate residential cakes for all dorms.
• Maintain inventory and prepare menus for special functions as ordered by Department Managers or Dorms.
• Ensure cleanliness and sanitization of all work areas and inventory supplies for department.
• Follow USDA Food Program, Norfolk Health and Fire Department compliance.

The Barry Robinson Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Education & Experience Minimum Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent (may be waived depending upon years of experience).
• Must be able to understand and work with the type of residents that are served by the Center.
• Requires 1 year experience as a Cook with equivalent professional school experience preferred.
• Catering experience preferred.
• Must hold a valid Norfolk Food Handlers Certificate.
• Must have a high standard of personal hygiene and accepted sanitary procedures.