Food Service Worker/Cook

Cook

Work Location: Nashville, TN 37214 Pay: $20/hr, paid weekly Schedule: Full-Time | Alternating Schedule

Schedule

Employees will alternate between the following weekly schedules:

Schedule A

• Monday, Tuesday, Friday, & Saturday
• 6:30 AM 7:30 PM

Schedule B

• Sunday, Wednesday, & Thursday
• 6:30 AM 7:30 PM

Cooks must be flexible to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.

Overview

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals according to established recipes, approved menus, dietary guidelines, and food safety standards within an institutional setting. This position supports the nutritional needs, health, and safety of residents and reports to the Building IDD Director.

Responsibilities

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other food items according to established recipes and approved meal plans.
• Cook large quantities of food while maintaining proper portion sizes, quality, taste, and presentation.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with menus approved by a Registered Dietitian.
• Accommodate food allergies, dietary restrictions, and other resident nutritional requirements.
• Follow USDA meal requirements for adult portion sizes and nutritional content.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation procedures.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, countertops, stoves, refrigerators, garbage containers, dishes, and food preparation areas.
• Monitor and document food and equipment temperatures as required.
• Maintain accurate records of food usage, inventory, and food waste.
• Track food supplies and notify supervisors when inventory is low.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and properly storing food deliveries.
• Request approval before making changes to established menus.
• Maintain an accessible and accurate record of resident food allergies.
• Work closely with kitchen and facility staff to ensure meals are prepared and served on time.
• Occasionally interact with residents and staff while serving meals.
• Support other staff as needed, including occasionally providing break coverage.
• Communicate food-related concerns, shortages, or issues to the supervisor.
• Maintain proper personal hygiene at all times while preparing and serving food.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous food preparation or cooking experience.
• Institutional, healthcare, residential, or large-volume food service experience preferred.
• Basic knowledge of nutrition, food allergies, and dietary restrictions.
• Familiarity with USDA adult meal requirements, including appropriate portion sizes and nutritional content.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and dietary guidelines.
• Basic verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including fractions, percentages, and ratios.
• Ability to maintain accurate food, inventory, and temperature records.
• Ability to work efficiently while following health and sanitation regulations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Certifications

• Must complete First Aid and CPR training as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during food preparation and meal service.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move kitchen supplies, food products, and equipment as needed.

Employment Requirements

• Verify qualifying work experience and highest level of education completed.
• Comply with the State of Tennessee Employee Drug-Free Workplace Policy and all other applicable policies.
• Successfully complete required TBI/FBI background checks and fingerprinting.
• Complete Tennessee and federal criminal history checks.
• Complete applicable child abuse and registry checks.
• Complete employment verification and professional/personal reference checks.

DIDD HR will coordinate the background check, fingerprinting, and registry checks. The required Accurate verification package is the TN Employment and Education Package, which includes:

• Education Verification.
• Employment Verification.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Health savings account.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.