Do you enjoy cooking, but don’t want to work in the evening and weekends? Then come and join CommUnify’s team! Our agency provides employees with a positive work environment with the ability to balance work & home. 

This position is ful-time with full benefits and starts out between $17.00 - $18.00 per hour working in Santa Maria at our Jardin de Suenos Center.

Our Cooks prepare and serve nutritious hot meals appropriate for children, parents, and staff in Children’s Services Program. The cook prepares approximately 80-120 meals a day. Menus are already prepared and our cooks just follow the recipe instructions to prepare the meals. Cooks will plan out accordingly by preparing grocery list and purchasing groceries. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned. 

• Follows appropriate fiscal procedures to obtain kitchen equipment and supplies as needed.
• Completes accurate daily documentation and monthly reports of meals served.

Prepares and serves daily nutritious hot meals and snacks that meet CACFP guidelines

Cleans kitchen facilities, washes dishes, pots and pans following the meal.

Knowledge in using food slicer, food mixer, knives, dish washer, food scales and other equipment normally associated with an institutional kitchen and safety precautions for using this equipment.

Helps take physical inventory of food and kitchen supplies.

May be required to use personal transportation to purchase food supplies. Mileage compensation provided.

Attends regular meetings and trainings as assigned.

Maintain a sanitary and clean kitchen daily.

Must be conscious of grocery purchases to ensure best cost and quality for items.

• Engages with coworkers, parents, volunteers, and children in a friendly and professional manner.
• Participates in monthly staff meeting and case conferencing as integral team member in planning and communication.
• Must be sensitive to children with special needs, the needs of low-income families, and cultural diversity.
• Is aware of all center’s children with food allergies, and ensures they receive the doctor recommended substitutions.
• Completes accurate daily documentation and monthly reports of meals served.
• Perform related duties as required.

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or GED preferred. Two years’ comparable experience in food preparation for groups required, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Computer Skills: Some computer skills are needed.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current Valid California Driver's License and proof of insurance with ability to qualify for coverage under Agency insurance plan. 

Other Qualifications: Successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination. Obtain a tuberculosis clearance and clear Community Care Licensing fingerprint process. Provide verification of State required vaccines upon hire for: Influenza (from August 1 to December 1), Pertussis, and Measles. Acceptable verifications include immunization record and physician statement. Exceptions to vaccinations: Flu can be waived by completing annual waiver.

Please note: CommUnify has a mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy with ability to request a vaccination accommodation due to medical or religious reasons.

CommUnify, AA/EOE

CommUnify has been chosen by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year!