Central Kitchen - Cook

Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.•Sacramento, CA

12h•$23 - $23

About The Position

WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night. OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada. PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a Cook at our Central Kitchen team in downtown Sacramento, CA. Every day the Central Kitchen staff prepare, package, and deliver more than 1,000 warm, nutritious, made-with-love meals to fragile seniors, veterans, families, and shelter residents. Must have the flexibility to work irregular hours based on staffing needs; including evenings, weekends, and some holidays. POSITION SUMMARY: The Cook is responsible for assuring quality service to all program participants in a compassionate and professional manner as it relates to the specific program objectives. Objectives include preparing meals, serving meals to clients at the designated programs, receiving and inventorying foods, equipment and janitorial cleaning supplies. The Cook will demonstrate supportive interaction with program participants and team members and perform all work duties as required. Work is performed in a cost-effective and service oriented manner as it relates to established organizational standards. OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

Requirements

One year of related experience is preferred.
This position requires demonstrated ability to communicate and comprehend oral and written instructions and to provide services to clients without ethnic or social prejudices.
General knowledge of issues and challenges unique to homelessness, substance abuse, young adults, minorities, and persons with disabilities is preferred.
Specific knowledge and experience with the following is required:
Principles, procedures, and equipment involved in the large-scale preparation of food.
Kitchen sanitation and safety measures used in the operation, cleaning, and care of utensils, equipment, and work areas.
Understand basic principles and practice of diets and nutrition.
CPR and First Aid training within ninety (90) days of employment, re-certification as necessary and T.B. testing annually.
A valid California driver’s license and ability to meet organization’s insurance carrier guidelines required for individuals that will deliver food to sites.
Teamwork skills
Oral and written communication skills
Ability to assist other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Lift and move up to 50 pounds
Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently
Climb stairs as needed
Kneel occasionally

Responsibilities

Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the program.
Participate in the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals in an institutional kitchen facility.
Perform duties in safe and sanitary manner, using food handling and proper preparation techniques.
Perform proper safety procedures for all equipment used in a kitchen.
Assure security of supplies and all areas of responsibility.
Assist with the preparation of food for special diets as required.
Measure and mix ingredients according to recipe.
Perform cooking tasks for a variety of foods, using utensils and equipment, such as mixers, food processors, and slicers.
Cut and carve all types of meat, fish, and poultry.
Bake, roast, broil, and steam a wide variety of meats, fish, poultry, and main dishes; add seasonings to food during mixing or cooking according to recipe requirements.
Prepare and cook sauces, soups, and gravies.
Bake bread, cakes, and pastries.
Participate in the cleaning of dishes, pots, and kitchen equipment, as well as floors and walls of the kitchen, storeroom, and dining area.
Participate in the cleanliness of the kitchen and dining area.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.
Document and report all variations in food preparations and meal delivery.
Complete and maintain all records, logs, safety logs, and incident reports.
Assist in the monitoring of the inventory of program equipment and supplies and take appropriate action to replace or restock as needed.
Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
Adhere to staffing schedules in order to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and to accomplish program objectives.
Communicate with service providers and external representatives as required.
Responsible for self-development
Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
Attend all staff meetings, assigned training, seminars, and complete required certifications, i.e. CPR, First Aid, etc.