Meal Service Cook
About The Position
Join Our Morning Brigade: Meal Service Cook (Breakfast & Lunch Prep) Are you the kind of kitchen hero who can turn a busy morning into a warm, reliable meal line—fast, safe, and delicious? If you love cooking for the long haul (and keeping the kitchen running like a well-oiled machine), we want you on our team! At Bethany House Services, our Meal Service Cook helps power meal service for families in our Emergency Shelter Program—serving breakfast daily and supporting high-volume lunch production for 250+ guests. If you thrive under pressure, take food safety seriously, and enjoy feeding people with care, this could be your role.
Requirements
- 1 year of related kitchen experience (or equivalent experience/knowledge)
- Understand (or are excited to learn) food safety and sanitation standards
- Work quickly, stay organized, and keep your cool when it gets busy
- Be a team player who communicates clearly and consistently
- Show up reliably—because meals don’t prep themselves!
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet vehicle insurance requirements
- Successful completion of criminal background check and drug testing
- Ability to handle physical demands of a kitchen environment (standing, lifting up to 40 lbs occasionally, repetitive movements, working near heat and cleaning agents)
Responsibilities
- Arrive at 6:30am to kick off prep and setup
- Cook hot breakfast favorites: eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, oatmeal
- Set up the line with proper heating equipment and utensils
- Keep food hot, fresh, and consistent during service (7:00am–8:30am)
- Restock during service and clean/break down afterward
- Assist the Kitchen Manager with lunch prep for 250+ guests
- Prep vegetables, proteins, starches (according to recipes & portion guidelines)
- Support batch cooking and high-volume production
- Help prep cold items: salads and sandwich components
- Help set up lunch service equipment and coordinate timing for a smooth handoff
- Open the kitchen and complete daily safety checks
- Start and monitor equipment (ovens, grills, steamers, prep tools)
- Ensure proper storage temperatures overnight + document readings
- Maintain clean, organized stations and wash dishes/equipment as needed
- Follow HACCP and food safety protocols—labeling, rotation (FIFO), temperature logs, and hygiene
- Check inventory at the start of your shift; report low stock
- Rotate supplies using FIFO and track usage/waste of high-cost items
- Communicate prep status and issues clearly
- Provide shift handoff info to afternoon staff
- Support dietary needs and coordinate with serving staff
- Assist with training morning procedures for new kitchen team members
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
