Cafeteria Cook

Job Description

Job Description

???? Cook – KVC Missouri Residential (Bearfield Campus)

Location: Columbia, MO
Schedule: Monday-Friday 10:30am to 6:30pm - every other weekend*

Cook with Heart – Make a Difference in Children’s Lives

If you’ve ever worked in a school kitchen, daycare, or caregiving role, you know how much comfort a warm meal can bring. At KVC Missouri’s Columbia Residential Campus, our cooks are more than food preparers — they are part of the healing process for children and teens in our care.

*This is a vital position — truly the heart of the house. You’ll create nourishing meals in a calm, family-style environment where every dish helps children feel safe, valued, and cared for.

*We’re looking for someone who brings creativity, compassion, and reliability — someone who can follow nutritional guidelines but also add their personal touch with baking, menu ideas, and thoughtful presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Purpose with heart: Every meal you prepare contributes to the emotional healing and stability of our kids.
• A creative kitchen: Enjoy the freedom to be inventive with menus, bake special treats, and bring warmth to mealtimes while following our standards.
• Opportunities to grow: We’ll support your professional development, whether you want to build culinary skills, take on leadership, or explore new roles within KVC.
• Caring community: Join a team that values compassion, teamwork, and making a difference every day.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare nutritious meals following recipes, DESE nutrition standards, and ServSafe guidelines
• Plan menus, prep meals, and bake with creativity
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and follow food safety protocols
• Manage inventory and assist with special events
• Interact with children and staff, helping make mealtimes a comforting and positive part of each day

What We’re Looking For

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• ServSafe certification (or willingness to obtain)
• 1+ year of kitchen or food service experience (school or residential preferred)
• Experience working with children or youth (strongly preferred)
• Dependable, caring, and creative personality who takes pride in their work

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off

Enjoy a generous amount of leave to support your work-life balance.

• Paid Parental Leave

Receive financial support during parental leave to help you spend quality time with your new family member.

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

Comprehensive insurance coverage to keep you and your family healthy and protected.

• 403(b) with Company Match

Retirement savings plan with company contributions to help you plan for your future.

• Tuition Reimbursement

Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.

• Professional Licensure and Certification Reimbursement

Support for obtaining and renewing professional licenses and certifications.

• Employee Assistance Program

Confidential support for personal and professional challenges, including counseling and resources.

• Wellness Benefits

Access to health screenings and mental health support to promote overall well-being.

About KVC

KVC Missouri is part of KVC Health Systems , a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. Our culture of compassion and teamwork has earned KVC an 83 Work Wellbeing score on Indeed — placing us among the top 1% of employers nationwide. If you love to cook, enjoy caring for others, and want your work to truly matter, this role may be the perfect fit.