COOK

State of Arkansas•Conway, AR

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Human Services is dedicated to serving others and improving lives in Arkansas, caring for individuals of all ages and ensuring safety in facilities like child care centers and nursing homes. It acts as a safety net for vulnerable Arkansans. The Cook position, an entry-level role, is responsible for preparing meals in a state facility according to established menus and recipes. This role ensures food is prepared promptly, cooked to correct specifications, and complies with health and safety standards.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and kitchen sanitation.
Ability to follow recipes and cooking instructions accurately.
Strong attention to detail in food preparation and quality control.
Ability to maintain cleanliness and safety in the kitchen.
Good communication skills for working with other kitchen staff.
Previous kitchen or cooking experience.
Must obtain and maintain ServSafe Food Certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Prepare meals and snacks according to standardized recipes and menu plans.
Ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature and quality standards.
Clean and maintain cooking equipment, utensils, and workstations.
Monitor food inventory and inform supervisors when supplies are low.
Ability to interact with visitors, handles or relays complaints to managers, and assists visitors with special needs.
Performs food preparation duties, including preparing food commodities, calculating needed amounts of goods, ensuring accurate measurements of recipe quantities, labeling and storing leftover items, and ordering weekly supplies.
Assist with portioning and plating meals for service.
Follow food safety regulations regarding food storage, handling, and cleanliness.