Assistant Cook

Assistant Cook (Full-Time) – Ravenswood Senior Center

Organization: HANAC, Inc.

Location: 34-35A 12th Street, Astoria, NY 11106

Compensation: $21.2118 / hour

Hours: Full-Time, 35 hours/week

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

About HANAC, Inc.

Originally founded by George Douris as the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee, HANAC, Inc. is a New York City-based, multi-faceted social services organization. Founded in 1972, HANAC serves the needs of vulnerable populations throughout New York City. The HANAC Ravenswood Senior Center is a leading community-based organization dedicated to supporting our senior community.

Position Overview

Under the direct supervision of the Head Cook and Director of Senior Services, the Assistant Cook assists with the overall operations of the senior center kitchen. This role is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving high-quality, nutritious meals to senior participants and staff while maintaining strict regulatory compliance. In the absence of the Head Cook, the Assistant Cook assumes full responsibility for kitchen operations.

Primary Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Coordinate the preparation and timely service of approximately 30–50 breakfast meals and 100–150 lunch meals daily.
• Ensure all meals maintain high quality, minimize waste, and strictly follow DFTA nutrition guidelines and Department of Health regulations.
• Assist with daily food prep, including checking and preserving fresh fruits and vegetables in the fridge and freezer.
• Manage leftovers and existing meat/food inventory efficiently before opening new stock.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Monitor, unpack, and track inventory levels for food and kitchen supplies.
• Enforce First In, First Out (FIFO) stock rotation by verifying nutrition facts, checking expiration dates, and dating all new supplies upon receipt.
• Order food and supplies in sufficient quantities for weekly menus and carefully monitor deliveries.
• Collaborate with the Head Cook to provide weekly and monthly inventory updates to the Director.

Sanitation, Safety & Compliance

• Maintain rigorous compliance with DOHMH and DFTA sanitation and safety standards.
• Perform daily kitchen clean-up, following the posted cleaning schedule (including cupboards, shelves, work surfaces, cooking equipment, sweeping, and mopping).
• Complete required daily logs, including AM/PM equipment temperatures and breakfast/lunch food temperature tracking.
• Safely lift, carry, and arrange food provisions and heavy kitchen supplies.

Teamwork & Supervision

• Assist the Head Cook in determining work schedules and assignments for kitchen helpers and volunteers.
• Monitor and guide the work of kitchen volunteers to ensure safety and policy compliance.
• Maintain cooperative, respectful working relationships with all staff, participants, and external partners to support the agency's vision.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma or GED Equivalency required.
• Certification: Must hold a valid NYC Food Protection Certificate / Food Handlers License.
• Experience: Proven experience in commercial food service or large-quantity food preparation. Experience working with senior citizens is highly preferred.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Technical Skills: Basic mathematics and computer skills (for inventory, logs, and tracking forms).

Physical & Interpersonal Attributes:

• Ability to lift heavy objects and stand for extended periods of time in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• In-depth knowledge of diverse cooking techniques, food safety, and hygiene protocols.
• Excellent multitasking skills, strong attention to detail, and a dependable, on-time work ethic.
• Strong team spirit and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to attend ongoing training and apply for additional certifications as needed.