Cook - Mesa, AZ

A New Leaf•Mesa, AZ

21h•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Our core values—Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness—guide us in creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve. The Cook prepares and serves nutritious meals for residents of the men's shelter while maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen. This position is responsible for food preparation, inventory management, menu planning, and compliance with all applicable food safety and Department of Health regulations. Working collaboratively with shelter staff, the Cook provides quality meal services that support the health and well-being of residents in a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Two (2) years of experience preparing meals in a commercial kitchen, institutional, healthcare, correctional, school, shelter, restaurant, or similar high-volume food service environment required.
Experience maintaining food safety, sanitation, and Department of Health standards required.
Current Arizona Food Handler Card required.
Current ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required.
Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age
Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card
Central Registry Background Check
Drug Screening
Food Handler & ServSafe Food Certification
CPR/First Aid Certification
Valid Unrestricted Driver’s License
Current Auto Liability Insurance
39 Month Motor Vehicle Record

Nice To Haves

Coursework or vocational training in culinary arts, food service management, nutrition, or a related field preferred.
Experience with inventory management, food ordering, and maintaining kitchen records preferred.
Experience working in a nonprofit, shelter, healthcare, behavioral health, or other human services environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for shelter residents in accordance with established menus, nutritional guidelines, and food safety standards.
Assist with menu planning, weekly food ordering, inventory management, and maintaining adequate food and kitchen supplies within the program budget.
Receive, store, rotate, and organize food products using First In, First Out (FIFO) practices to ensure freshness, food safety, and minimize waste.
Prepare and safely operate commercial kitchen equipment, including grills, ovens, fryers, steam tables, and other food preparation equipment.
Prepare food using proper food preparation techniques, portion control, cooking methods, and safe food handling practices to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with food safety standards.
Prepare meals that accommodate special dietary needs, food allergies, and physician-ordered diets as appropriate.
Maintain accurate food inventories, temperature logs, production records, food orders, and other required documentation in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
Monitor and document refrigerator, freezer, and food holding temperatures daily to ensure compliance with Department of Health and food safety standards.
Maintain the cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of the kitchen, including refrigerators, freezers, food storage areas, ovens, grills, steamers, hoods, filters, floors, dishes, cookware, utensils, and all kitchen equipment in accordance with Department of Health and agency standards.
Safely operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment, including slicers, dishwashers, mixers, and other food preparation equipment.
Follow all food safety, sanitation, chemical handling, and workplace safety procedures, including the proper use of cleaning products, chemicals, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Receive food deliveries, coordinate the pickup of donated food and supplies, transport food and supplies between agency locations as needed, and load or unload deliveries.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment that complies with all applicable local, state, federal, licensing, and Department of Health regulations.
Report equipment malfunctions, food shortages, safety concerns, or maintenance needs promptly to the designated supervisor.
Assist with maintaining the overall appearance, cleanliness, organization, and maintenance of kitchen facilities, equipment, and other assigned areas.
Maintain adequate inventory of food, cleaning, and kitchen supplies and promptly communicate anticipated shortages, supply needs, or purchasing requests to the designated supervisor.
Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and professional development activities.
Build and maintain professional, respectful working relationships with residents, employees, volunteers, vendors, community partners, and the public while representing A New Leaf in a positive and professional manner.
Maintain the confidentiality of resident, employee, and agency information in accordance with agency policies and applicable laws.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support shelter operations.