Kitchen Cook

Kitchen Cook

Shannon West Homeless Youth Center sets out each year to help as many youth as possible, ages 18 to 24, successfully overcome and remove barriers to self-sufficiency. Shannon West Homeless Youth Center has a full-service commercial kitchen to meet the clients' nutritional needs, as well as provide on the job culinary career experience.

Job Summary:

Shannon West Homeless Youth Center has a full-service commercial-grade kitchen to serve the residents and clients of the program. Through our access to this facility we are able to provide hands on training to those interested in the culinary field.

As a cook at Shannon West a typical day will be come in prepare lunch and dinner for up to 158 residents, depending on occupancy. Cooks depending on daily work load may also assist in serving the clients their meals. Clean up and dishwashing are parts of the normal day. The daily activities may include assisting in training and monitoring of the resident clients during the scheduled chore periods, and work experience programs which includes activities in the kitchen and dining area.

• Prepare bulk recipes from scratch
• Review prep recipes prior to preparation of food
• Create and follow the prep list created by chefs to plan duties
• Assure that all food procedures are followed and executed properly
• Complete all assigned tasks & duties
• Follow all sanitation guidelines
• Clean and re-stock all areas of the operation (First In, First Out compliance (FIFO))
• Label and stock all ingredients on shelves so they can be organized and easily accessible (FIFO)
• Measure ingredients and seasonings to be used in cooking
• Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat etc.
• Undertake basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces, parboiling food etc.
• Prepare simple dishes such as salads, entrees etc.
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash etc.
• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly (FIFO)
• Comply with nutrition guidelines
• Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
• Participate, supervise and assist in the cleaning of the kitchen area. This includes but is not limited to washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, washing counters, walls, and kitchen bathroom upkeep.
• Assist in the monitoring and instruction of the kitchen area cleaning or resident clients assigned to that task during their chore period.

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of health and safety rules in a kitchen
• Ability to stay patient and positive under pressure
• Very good physical condition and endurance
• Leadership: Cooks need to be able to instruct and supervise clients and volunteers in the kitchen
• Listening: Cooks need to be able to hear and understand specific instructions from their chefs
• Stamina: Everyone in the kitchen works long hours on their feet over hot stoves and grills.
• Teamwork: Cooks are part of a team, and in a stressful, fast-paced environment, being a team
• Demonstrate cooking skills and ability to follow established menus and recipes

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally required to sit, walk, reach, bend, kneel, stoop and climb
• Must be able to push/pull up to 100lbs
• Must be able to lift up to 75lbs
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time
• Manual dexterity able to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils
• Frequently able to balance, twist, use hands and fingers and wrist motion
• Required to have good hand/eye coordination and mental alertness
• Ability to concentrate within numerous distractions

Required Qualifications:

• Active NV Food Handler Safety Card AND Southern Nevada Health District Recognized Food Safety Manager Certificate OR Must have SNHD issued Certified Food Safety Manager Card
• Minimum 2 years' kitchen experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a charity kitchen, food bank, shelter kitchen, hospital kitchen, or similar facility