Cook - Connections North / Central Ave.

Chautauqua Opportunities Inc•City of Dunkirk, NY

About The Position

The Cook oversees daily preparation of nutritious and appealing meals in accordance with USDA, state, and local guidelines, ensuring efficient and safe kitchen operations and meal service. The position works 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at $18.03 per hour, and reports to the Child Health Services Manager. The Cook prepares meals from planned menus and standardized recipes, coordinates food preparation with kitchen staff, and maintains food quality, portion control, cleanliness, and compliance with health, safety, and nutrition requirements. The role includes maintaining inventory and production records, ordering supplies within budget, supporting menu and dietary planning, and preparing and transporting meals for off-site service when needed. The Cook also supports staff and substitutes, assists with meal service and agency events, and performs kitchen opening or closing duties. The position works with child care and summer food staff internally and with vendors, customers, and Summer Food Program participating agencies externally. No staff are supervised. The Cook must meet applicable food-handler and OCFS training requirements, complete required background clearances, and hold a valid driver’s license and authorization to drive a COI vehicle. Pre-employment physical exams, TB testing, and drug and alcohol testing are required; testing may also be conducted randomly or for cause.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or educational certificate in Food Preparation and Food Management and two years of cooking experience; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and two years of cooking experience.
Knowledge of health and sanitation procedures and practices.
Knowledge of food allergies, food-related diseases, and ingredients that can cause allergies or intolerances.
Basic math and record-keeping skills.
Obtain a Food Handler Safety Training Certificate within 90 days of employment, as required by the Chautauqua County Department of Health.
Meet OCFS training requirements and maintain training logs.
Provide consistent, even-tempered customer service.
Complete all required New York State background clearances.
Complete pre-employment physical exams and TB testing.
Hold a valid driver’s license and be an authorized driver of a COI vehicle.
Ability to travel throughout the county.
Complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and be subject to random testing or testing for cause.
Ability to work compassionately with a diverse population, if applicable.
Ability to lift 25–50 pounds and navigate multiple flights of stairs while carrying items.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in a leadership role, catering, or an institutional setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus and standardized recipes.
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and nutrition regulations and procedures.
Lead and coordinate food preparation activities with other kitchen staff.
Monitor portion control, food quality, and presentation standards.
Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently and use food utensils, including knives, safely.
Store food properly in accordance with food safety policies and procedures.
Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen, equipment, and serving areas.
Train and support kitchen staff and substitutes as needed.
Assist with serving meals during meal periods as needed.
Oversee preparation and packing of meals for off-site locations and ensure they are ready for on-time delivery.
Transport food and supplies to off-site meal locations as needed.
Perform kitchen opening and/or closing duties.
Maintain good working relationships with vendors.
Communicate announced menu changes to the team in a timely manner.
Order food and supplies within budget parameters.
Maintain accurate inventory and daily production reports.
Assist with menu development for agency services.
Assist with developing special menus or diets for intolerances, allergies, or other dietary needs and ensure they are followed.
Assist in planning and preparing food for agency-sponsored special events.
Promote the agency mission, maintain confidentiality, comply with the code of ethics, and provide consistent professional customer service.
Incorporate the integrated service delivery model into job performance while promoting self-sufficiency.
Adhere to policies and procedures, gather appropriate documentation, track outcomes, and participate in organizational committees and management systems as appropriate.
Perform other duties as designated by the supervisor.