Cook Full Time

Description

Passionate about cooking and looking for an opportunity to brighten the day for people we serve!

Voluntary Action Center is looking for a full-time Cook to support our congregate nutrition program in Sandwich, IL. For over 50 years we have been dedicated to promoting dignity, health, and self-sufficiency by providing high quality nutrition services to individuals with disabilities, seniors within our communities and through partnerships with local government entities.

Reporting to our Program Coordinator, the Cook will work Monday - Friday 30-40 hours a week alongside our kitchen team to prepare food under our contract services. This position may require working some holidays with premium pay in accordance with company policy.

As a cook you will prepare food in coordination with our designated menu while complying with all applicable sanitation, health and hygiene standards. Our method of cooking is in batch quantities and the cook will work closely with other kitchen staff in the preparation of our food being served.  As a non-profit we are dedicated to serving delicious and fresh food to our community through various ways including nutrition program partnerships throughout our community.

The ideal candidate will be cooperative, dependable, have strong time management skills and be service oriented.  The Cook is responsible for providing safe and nutritious meals, obeying all applicable food preparation regulations and exercising diligent care in all activities relative to agency nutrition programs. This position must represent Voluntary Action Center’s mission and values at all times.

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.)
• Supervise the food temperature and the temperature of cooling rooms, to ensure that the ingredients are kept at the appropriate temperature within the Time/Temp regulations.
• Communicate with staff and management in a positive and productive manner.
• Adhere to food handling requirements at all times.
• Clean and maintain workstation in accordance with ServSafe and sanitation guidelines.
• Wrap, label, date and store all food items safely and in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Maintain accurate food inventories. Rotate and restock items as per established procedures.
• Operate and clean a variety of specialized food service equipment, i.e. dishwasher, commercial ovens and mixer, meat slicer and steam tables, etc.
• Backup support to MOW program in DeKalb County when short staffed in the kitchen.
• Support delivery of Meals on Wheels to clients we serve as needed.
• Ensure client confidentiality at all times.
• Cook for special events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

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

QUALIFICATIONS

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience as a cook or similar role in a restaurant or food service environment required.
• Illinois Food Handlers Certification highly preferred.  Must obtain within 30 days or hire.
• Must be dependable, team oriented and able to work under pressure.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check, driver’s license clearance and a physical exam.
• Strong work ethic and ability to handle sensitive confidential matters with discretion.
• Ability to work variable hours such as evenings and weekends if needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of safety and sanitation precautions common to the food industry.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work closely and cooperatively with fellow employees and build positive relationships.
• Knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, equipment, and procedures.
• Ability to follow instructions and act as a team player.

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 30 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