Assistant Cook

Description

Join Our Team as Assistant Cook and Make a Difference One Meal at a Time!

We are seeking a dedicated Assistant Cook to help nourish our community through our Meals on Wheels program! If you have a passion for cooking and want to make a meaningful impact by providing nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities, we’d love to have you on our team.

Reporting to the Kitchen and Inventory Manager, the Assistant Cook will work alongside our cook and kitchen team to prepare meals for those we serve in DeKalb, IL. This position offers 30-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with occasional holiday shifts eligible for premium pay.

The ideal candidate is cooperative, dependable, and service-oriented, with strong time management skills. The Assistant Cook plays a crucial role in preparing safe, nutritious meals while ensuring compliance with all food safety regulations. This position requires attention to detail, care in food preparation, and a commitment to our mission of serving the community.

EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Follow the production recipes and meal prep to produce high volume and high-quality food in a timely manner.
• Prepare ingredients to use (chopping and peeling vegetables, cutting meat etc.)
• Monitor food temperature and the temperature of cooling rooms, to ensure that the ingredients kept are kept at the appropriate temperature within the Time/Temp regulations.
• Assist with the preparation and packaging of nutritious meals for timely delivery.
• Clean and maintain workstation in accordance with sanitation guidelines.
• Store food properly, safely and check for freshness of food and discard spoiled, adulterated, and out-of-date items.
• Operate and clean a variety of specialized food service equipment, i.e. dishwasher, commercial ovens and mixer, meat slicer and steam tables, etc.
• Support kitchen staff with inventory, food storage, and dish-washing.
• Maintains compliance with federal, state and local health and safety regulations at all times.
• Provide backup support to MOW team as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous cooking experience, preferably in a nonprofit, community meal program, or batch cooking environment.
• Illinois Manager Food Handlers Certification is a plus.
• Valid driver license with clean driving record.
• Reliable, team-oriented, and adaptable.
• Strong work ethic and ability to handle sensitive confidential matters with discretion.
• Passion for serving the community and supporting a mission-driven organization.
• Must successfully pass a background check and physical exam.

BENEFITS

• Medical Insurance
• FSA and HSA
• Short Term Disability
• Life / AD&D
• Dental and Vision
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Leave (PLA)
• Extended Paid Time Off (ETO)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Bereavement
• Growth and Development Opportunities
• Retirement Investment Options
• Employee Assistance Program

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Understanding of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and kitchen procedures.
• Familiarity with food industry safety and sanitation protocols.
• Ability to adhere to policies, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to build positive working relationships.
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to food quality.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift as needed.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of safe driving practices and adherence to VAC safety procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The working environment is mostly done in a close-quartered kitchen area near ovens and/or grills. While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is on his/her feet most of the shift. Ability to stoop, climb, stand for long periods of time and perform physical labor, physical mobility and stamina to participate in activities which may be strenuous. The noise level varies but is generally moderate to loud.

The regular physical activity of position requires the ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, walk, push, pull, lift, and grasp. Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 10-30 pounds of force constantly to move objects, frequently from floor level to waist level, less frequently from floor level to overhead level. Visual acuity for depth and field of vision. Repetitive motions of the wrists, hands and/or fingers required. Must meet the medical requirements of a physical exam.

Voluntary Action Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status or any other status protected by law. 

Qualifications

Salary : $15 - $18