Youth Shelter Cook

Description

WHO IS YFA?

We tackle some of the world's toughest problems. Our employees are an incredible group of compassionate, committed individuals, drawn by the opportunity to make a difference. Year over year, our employees report they are proud to work here and are willing to go above and beyond in service of our mission to create a safe, nurturing environment for children. 

Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. (YFA) was founded in 1970. Our purpose and role are to serve children and families in crisis, providing programs that encourage healing, restoration, and success for those we serve. This is why “Family” is our middle name! Our hardworking 350 team members work in partnership with communities and families, providing a full range of services across the state of Florida. 

No matter the role, we believe every team member at YFA has a critical role in supporting our children and our communities and we constantly strive to ensure a positive, purpose-driven, dynamic work environment for you to learn, grow and meet your fullest potential.  

Put your talents to use in a culture of care where you can make the world a better place.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Entry-level Direct Care Cook position responsible for the supervision of clients (10 to 17 years) in a residential program. Act as a first line role model for clients demonstrating through word and actions appropriate behaviors and social interactions utilizing the Youth Development System.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Provide direct supervision for residents when in the kitchen under the direction of the program leadership. This includes directly and actively showing residents how to do chores in the kitchen and working with residents to complete tasks as assigned and outlined in the Youth Development System with an emphasis on the outcome achieved by completing these tasks.
• Monitor residents’ behavior when in the kitchen. Report any unusual behavior, which could indicate other problems. It is expected that staff will utilize crisis intervention techniques with an emphasis on being proactive in addressing potential conflict and not allowing behaviors to escalate.
• Maintain order and discipline among residents while in the kitchen. This includes assigning appropriate consequences for unacceptable behavior and once trained, using acceptable Crisis Intervention techniques as appropriate.
• Lead Independent Living Skills Cooking Groups with residents as outlined in the Youth Development System.
• Complete monitoring notes, runaway and incident reports, and client case records for residents when necessary.
• Ensure that the kitchen area is clean, neat and safe for residents at all times and directly perform all appropriate related tasks. It is the responsibility of all staff to maintain a culture of cleanliness which includes specific cleaning duties as assigned and/or general cleaning when there is down time during a shift. Document any necessary work orders for kitchen appliances, drains, pest control and other issues related to the kitchen and dining area.
• Adhere to all Department of Health regulations and expectations. Properly documenting DOH menus and PAR Forms.
• Performs tasks including but not limited to food service including meal planning, food inventory control, ordering/shopping, meal preparations and cooking.
• Certification needed (Food Safety Manager or equivalent from an approved school) within 30 days of employment.
• Knowledge of and compliance with safe food handling guidelines – proper storage, holding temperature, sanitation, etc., per Florida Department of Health, Child Care Food Program; Florida Administrative Code 65C-14.010 Group Care Licensing, 64E-11 Food Hygiene, 64E-12 Community Based Residential Facilities; and Florida Network of Youth and Family Services.
• Ability to budget food costs.
• Strong culinary skills and the ability to cook for up to 24 people.
• Maintain relationship with Cook 4 Kids groups. Showing volunteers hospitality and assisting them when needed.

Location: George Harris Youth Shelter - 1060 US Hwy 17 South, Bartow, FL 33830

Requirements

WHAT YOU NEED: 

• AA preferred or High School Diploma or GED required
• 2 years of direct work experience with adolescents preferred
• Work experience in a Residential setting a plus
• Florida driver’s license and clean DMV record required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires a high degree of physical activity including the ability to run, jump, bend, and stand for significant time periods (2 hours)
• lift and carry 50 pounds
• The ability to travel on a regional basis as needed for training and transport
• Verification of Hepatitis A vaccination

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

At YFA, we are as dedicated to our team members as we are to our mission! YFA provides:

13 Days of PTO, Incrementally Increasing Annually

13 Paid Holidays

5 Days Parental Leave

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability

Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Paid Life Insurance

Legal Services

ID Monitoring

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with match after 12 months

Continuous training and professional development opportunities

And of course, an opportunity to make the world a better place! 

Youth and Family Alternatives is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We adhere to the principles of affirmative action and strictly prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on these protected characteristics.

Youth and Family Alternatives complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, training, working conditions, compensation, benefits, and other privileges of employment. 

Youth and Family Alternatives is committed to promoting a healthy and safe work environment, which is why we always maintain a smoke-free workplace. All forms of tobacco or vaping products of any kind at any time on our premises. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, as well as outdoor spaces. Individuals must leave our campus, which includes our parking lots and other public areas, to smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco.