Assistant Cook

                              THE NEIGHBORHOOD SELF HELP BY OLDER PERSONS PROJECT, INC. 

                                     975 KELLY STREET SUITE 401 BRONX, NEW YORK 10459-3477 

                                    Tel: (718) 542-0006 Fax: (347) 772-3075 Email: Info@nshopp.org 

                                                                Position Available 

Job Title: Assistant Cook 

Supervisor: Program Director 

Job Status: Full Time / 35 hrs. per week 

Job Location: Guess OAC 

Salary Range: $35,000 - $40,000

Neighborhood Self Help by Older Persons Project (SHOPP) is a non-profit social services agency founded in 1980 serving minority older adults throughout the Bronx.  SHOPP’s mission is based on the philosophy of self-help. We believe that older people are capable of helping themselves and helping others improve their capacity to deal with the physical, emotional, social, and financial challenges they face as they age.   

SHOPP has several service programs in the Bronx that includes Community Care Network Program (CCNP); VIP Elder Justice Program; NY Connects of the Bronx; Casa Boricua, Leon, Guess and Soundview Older Adult Centers (OAC); Case Management & Friendly Visiting Program; Caregivers Program and Lafayette Estates NORC Program.      

SHOPP’s staff must be prepared to utilize the agency’s philosophy of self-help and mutual assistance to enable participants to gain and express positive, psychological, and social well-being as an outcome of their involvement in SHOPP programs. SHOPP participants are provided with opportunities to: access benefits and entitlements; serve as volunteers; join planning and support groups; take advantage of training programs, participate in nutritional, educational, recreational and health promotion activities; and participate in community service and leadership development.    

The purpose of Neighborhood SHOPP Older Adult Centers and Community Care Network (OACN) is to provide a community focal point on aging where older persons come together for services and activities that enhance their dignity, support their independence, and encourage their involvement in and with the community. 

The Assistant Cook is responsible for the provision of assistance to the COOK in food preparation, cooking and service, record-keeping and adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.   The Assistant Cook reports directly to the COOK. The position requires two years of experience as an assistant cook; familiarity with nutritional menu planning according to NYC Aging standards; must hold a valid Food Protection Certificate.

The Assistant Cook position at our establishment requires physical capabilities to efficiently perform Kitchen tasks and ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen. The following physical expectations are essential to this role:

• Standing and Mobility: The Assistant Cook must be able to stand for extended periods and move around the kitchen area swiftly to supervise, prepare, and cook food.
• Lifting and Carrying: This role involves lifting heavy objects, including bulk ingredients, kitchen equipment, and supplies. The Assistant Cook should be capable of lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Manual Dexterity: Precise knife skills, the ability to handle kitchen utensils, and operate cooking equipment with dexterity are crucial. This includes chopping, slicing, and other intricate tasks.
• Endurance: The Assistant Cook should work long hours, especially during peak periods, and handle the physical demands of a busy kitchen environment.
• Temperature Tolerance: The kitchen environment can be hot, and the Assistant Cook must be able to tolerate high temperatures up to 82 degrees, work around open flames, and handle hot surfaces safely.
• Repetitive Motions: The Assistant Cook will engage in repetitive motions such as stirring, whisking, and plating, requiring physical coordination and consistency.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: The Assistant Cook is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. This involves bending, stooping, reaching, and using cleaning equipment to ensure proper sanitation standards are met.
• Visual Acuity: Assistant Cook should be able to read recipes, monitor cooking processes, and ensure food presentation meets the desired standards.

The Assistant Cook is specifically responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Older Adult Center’s congregate meal program under the direction of the COOK. This includes the following tasks:

• Prepare, cook, and supervise portioning and serving of food.
• Participate in menu planning and develop food purchase orders, submit orders on timely basis.
• Receive purchased food, confirm order with delivered goods; inspect quality and quantity and approve.
• Maintain Daily Food Used Records, conduct monthly Physical Food Inventory, oversee proper storage.
• and dating of received food.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of staff, engage in food preparation, meal service, and clean up.
• Ensure safe handling and proper temperature control of prepared foods, food storage areas,
• refrigerators and freezers.
• Ensure proper functioning, cleaning of kitchen premises, kitchen equipment, dining areas, and
• adherence to sanitation standards.
• Participate in SHOPP staff training programs, staff, and community meetings.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Applicants should be aware that the Assistant Cook position demands physical fitness and the ability to work in a fast-paced, challenging environment. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where all employees can contribute to their fullest potential.

Salary : $35,000 - $40,000