Cafeteria Cook - 0 - 25 hours a week

Job Title: Cook - On-call
Department: Residential

Position Summary

The Cook plays a key role in preparing and serving wholesome, nutritious meals for youth in care. This position supports the kitchen team in cooking, baking, food preparation, and maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment. The Cook ensures that dietary needs are met in accordance with meal plans and change orders from the Consulting Dietitian and the Health Services Department. All duties are performed in compliance with health and sanitation requirements, as well as HACCP guidelines.

Department

New Directions Youth & Family Services’ Residential program provides safe, supportive, and structured environments for youth. The kitchen team contributes directly to youth well-being by preparing meals that promote health and comfort in a home-like setting.

Agency

New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Compensation

$16.71 per hour, with additional raises guaranteed.

Hours/Schedule

Varies based on need, less than 25 hours a week. Available hours tend to fall between 5:00a and 6:30p

Professional Development Opportunities

Staff are provided with ongoing in-service training, supervision, and opportunities to expand their culinary skills and knowledge of nutrition, food safety, and large-scale food preparation.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals according to approved menus and in proper quantities
• Follow health, sanitation, and HACCP guidelines for all food preparation, labeling, and storage
• Serve meals on time in compliance with standards
• Cut and prepare meats as needed to meet menu requirements
• Bake breads and pastries as assigned
• Pull stock, receive deliveries, rotate inventory, and assist with stocking supplies
• Clean and sanitize workstations after each use
• Assist with washing dishes and general kitchen cleanup
• Secure the dietary department and shut down properly at the end of each shift
• Assist with special luncheons, dinners, or events as needed
• Package food supplies for cottage meals when requested
• Attend mandatory in-service trainings and supervision meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Kitchen Supervisor

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of large-scale food preparation and commercial kitchen equipment (preferred)
• Ability to work as part of a team and accept supervision
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and maintain flexibility in the kitchen environment
• Strong organizational and cleaning habits to ensure food safety compliance
• Cultural competence and ability to work effectively with staff and youth from diverse backgrounds

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Valid NYS driver’s license held for at least one year (required)
• One year of paid kitchen experience or culinary school training (preferred)
• Must have adequate auto insurance and meet agency driving policy requirements
• Ability to pass an annual physical per agency health policy (Category 2A classification)
• Compliance with agency safety standards and safe workplace practices

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.