Cook

Title: Cook

Reports to: Food Service Manager

Department: Food Services

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; Part Time

The HEP Cook reports directly to the Food Service Manager and is responsible for assisting the Food Service Manager with planning, preparing, supervising and/or delegating all food and menu items for daily meals on campus.  The Cook adheres to all HEP standards and guidelines while providing a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment.

PRINCIPLE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare and cook 3 well-balanced meals (hot or cold) during the day for a large group of people.
• Keep all kitchen equipment clean, organized, and stocked.

• Make sure the dining room is prepped and ready for each meal with all necessary supplies.
• Maintain a positive and professional attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Works well alongside HEP volunteers helping in the Kitchen.
• Help with food prep (ingredients, cutting vegetables, opening cans, preparing items for salad bar, etc.).
• Rotation of food according to dates and proper storage.
• Pick up food donations when necessary.
• Receive both purchased and donated food items. Separate and properly store products in pantry areas, walk in cooler, freezer, and free-standing refrigeration units.
• Make sure kitchen towels and aprons are washed and ready for the day.
• Maintain order and supervise residents’ participation.
• Assist in daily cleaning of all equipment provided such as hoods, drains, prep tables, equipment, cooler, freezer, storage rooms, stoves and ovens, etc.

• Reduce waste by following portion control and proper storage techniques.
• May require early mornings, weekends, and holidays.
• Complete any other necessary duties as assigned by the Food Service Manager.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One-year previous cooking experience for large groups of people.

• Must have good knowledge of food preparation.
• Familiar with sanitation codes, temperatures and all aspects surrounding inspections.
• Sensitivity to the cultural diversity of clients to successfully work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
• ServSafe Trained and Certified (company paid if not already obtained).
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Must have knowledge of kitchen appliances and safety requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to multi-task and easily adapt to change.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred by not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Position requires daily bending, walking, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, etc.
• Must wear non-slip shoes while working during shifts.
• Up to 95% of the shift requires standing on feet.
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds with ease; anything over 50 pounds requires team lift.
• Caution when working in an area due to wet floors or spills at all times.
• Comfortable driving company vehicle for donation pickups when necessary.
• Must have a valid Florida driver license and be able to successfully pass a background, motor vehicle registration, drug and alcohol screening.

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all-inclusive” list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and be a reasonable representation of its activities. 

HEP is a Drug Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer.  HEP does not discriminate against any class of protected persons covered by applicable law in its hiring and/or advancement opportunities.  HEP encourages people of all minority statuses to apply.