Cook/Housekeeper – Adult Residential Services

Brightway•Central Islip, NY

About The Position

Brightway Living & Learning is hiring a full-time Cook/Housekeeper for Adult Residential Services. The role supports adults with disabilities by preparing meals and maintaining clean, safe living spaces. Meal planning and preparation are coordinated with menus prepared by a Nutritionist. The position is hourly and pays $18.50–$20.35 per hour, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (40 hours per week). Brightway Living & Learning is a nonprofit human-services provider on Long Island offering educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65-year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), it supports more than 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. The Cook/Housekeeper performs thorough cleaning throughout the residence, prepares and cooks meals, shops and plans meals according to provided menus and substitution guidelines, and monitors perishable food. The role also includes reporting repairs or hazards, helping plan special occasions, answering the telephone professionally, and following applicable OMRDD regulations for food, kitchen areas, and house cleanliness. The position requires safe use of household cleaning products and equipment, the ability to work well with staff and the individuals supported, and the physical capacity to lift and carry at least 25 pounds and perform housekeeping and shopping tasks. Brightway offers paid training, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, a flexible spending account (FSA), an employee assistance program (EAP), a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement opportunities, paid time off, professional development, and opportunities for advancement. The organization describes its workplace as committed to mutual respect, equal employment opportunity, belonging, and respect for applicants and employees.

Requirements

Ability to read, understand, and follow safety guidelines.
Ability to safely use and dispose of household cleaning products.
Ability to work well with staff members and the individuals supported.
Ability to cook according to menus and meal-preparation guidelines.
Ability to use appropriate tools and housekeeping equipment, including a vacuum cleaner and carpet shampoo machine, as needed.
Ability to lift and carry at least 25 pounds, bend, twist, kneel, and walk distances sufficient for shopping and housekeeping duties.

Nice To Haves

Empathy, compassion, and patience.
A positive, energetic, and enthusiastic approach.
Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
Passion for making a difference.

Responsibilities

Thoroughly clean the entire house, including bathrooms, kitchens, common areas, bedrooms, offices, indoor spaces, and decks or porches, as required.
Prepare and cook meals, shop for supplies, and plan meals in coordination with menus prepared by a Nutritionist.
Rotate perishable foods and discard expired or tainted food.
Follow menus and make substitutions according to the exchange list.
Report maintenance needs and hazardous conditions to the Manager or maintenance staff, and promptly notify a supervisor when the house or appliances need repair.
Help schedule and plan parties for special occasions.
Answer the telephone courteously and professionally and take appropriate messages.
Follow OMRDD regulations concerning food, kitchen areas, and house cleanliness.
Carry out additional responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.