Assistant Cook - Medical Respite

Bethesda House of Schenectady • Schenectady, NY

5d • $18

About The Position

At Bethesda House, our goal is to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness - not just manage the symptoms. Our teams work to address each individual on a holistic level so they feel heard, respected, and safe in our care. We offer hands-on help to address chronic homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, disability, and systematic poverty by offering innovative solutions and proactive services to the most vulnerable in Schenectady County. The Cara House facility houses the Medical Respite program - also known as recuperative care which offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals experiencing homelessness who are recovering from an illness or injury but are not well enough to be discharged to the streets or a traditional shelter. The program bridges the gap between hospital care and community living by providing short-term housing, medical care coordination, and access to other supportive services. The Assistant Cook supports the Medical Respite Food Program within the agency’s Residential Programs by prepares high-quality food items according to standardized recipes and instructions to meet program requirements. The Assistant Cook works collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all food safety and program requirements, contributing to a clean, organized, and supportive residential environment. Schedule : Part-time (25 hrs/week) Mon - Fri, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Pay Rate : $18/hour (Non-Exempt)

Requirements

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required; course work or prior experience working as a cook or assistant cook in a commercial or institutional kitchen preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare meals using standardized recipes, including proper portioning, presentation, and temperature control, as well as use of commercial kitchen equipment essential.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and safe food-handling practices; Food Protection Certificate preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to support meal production planning, basic record keeping, and inventory control.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written and verbal cooking instructions consistently.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills; ability to maintain positive working relationships with staff and supervisors.
• Commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment and complying with all agency policies and procedures.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and safely move supplies and equipment.
• Valid NYS driver’s license for pickups and deliveries is required.
• Reliable transportation to/from work is required.
• Commitment to maintaining cleanliness, safety standards, professional boundaries, and confidentiality.

Nice To Haves

• course work or prior experience working as a cook or assistant cook in a commercial or institutional kitchen preferred.
• Food Protection Certificate preferred or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• prepares high-quality food items according to standardized recipes and instructions to meet program requirements
• works collaboratively with kitchen staff to ensure meals are prepared and served safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all food safety and program requirements
• contributing to a clean, organized, and supportive residential environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED