Cook Assistant (350)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Walton Beach, FL

7d • Onsite

About The Position

LSF is seeking a talented Cook Assistant who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. The Cook Assistant works to support kitchen operations and functions as part of a team, assisting in ordering, preparing, serving and documentation of meals and snacks. This position adheres to health and food safety codes and cleanliness of the kitchen and foodservice and storage areas. May assist in preparing foods for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards.

Requirements

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Within 90 days of employment, must have Food Handlers Certification or ServSafe certification (if required by local regulations).
• Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Ability to follow directions and assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Ability to adapt to changing menus, ingredients, and kitchen demands.
• Familiarity with a variety of cooking techniques and the use of various kitchen equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to assist in managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage time effectively.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative and positive attitude.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Nice To Haves

• 1 year experience in quantity food preparation and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing ingredients and cooking meals according to standardized recipes and menu standards following menus approved by the Registered Dietitian and aid in any food related activities as directed, ensuring proper portioning and presentation.
• Set up and organize workstations, ensuring all necessary tools and ingredients are available and ready for use.
• Collaborate with other staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of meals.
• Help maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation, ensuring consistency. Monitor and maintain portion control and waste reduction.
• Assist in managing the inventory of food, supplies, and equipment to facilitate smooth operations and report any shortages to the supervisor.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries of food items, checking for quality and accuracy.
• Assist in addressing special dietary requests and accommodate food allergies or restrictions as required.
• Collaborate with staff to create food-related experiences that support family-style meal service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and storage areas, adhering to proper sanitation procedures of food and equipment.
• Maintain safe usage of all kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Report safety or health concerns, including malfunctioning kitchen equipment, to the supervisor promptly.
• Maintain compliance with all hygiene and sanitation standards, including proper food handling, storage, and cleaning procedures set by local, state, and federal regulations.
• Assist in documenting food purchases, preparation, and serving in accordance with USDA CACFP guidelines. Organize and submit necessary records as required.
• In the absence of the Cook due to PTO or sick leave, the Cook Assistant will assume the responsibilities of the Cook to ensure uninterrupted meal service and kitchen operations.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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