DREAM Cook

Cook

We're hiring a Cook to support our work with DREAM Charter Schools (DREAM)! Since 2016, we've been redefining what it means to be a successful chef by partnering with institutional foodservice programs across the US. Our team brings the systems and solutions to help kitchens consistently and confidently prepare high-quality meals. Demand for our services is growing faster than ever. In the past 5 years alone, we've expanded from a team of 5 chefs to a coast-to-coast network of 70 and counting.

About Our Partnership With DREAM:

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx. The DREAM Charter Schools network consists of three school sites, serving Pre-K-12 students. It includes afterschool and summer programs.

In 2023, we helped DREAM launch its own in-house foodservice program, which is now operational across all three school sites. It serves breakfast, lunch, and supper to 2,500 students almost 365 days of the year and provides curated food programs for DREAM alumni, families, and community members. We're now entering the next phase of our partnership, in which we will serve as the foodservice management company.

As Cook, you'll be responsible for producing and serving daily meals at one of DREAM's school sites to students and staff. You'll also maintain the kitchen and storage spaces to the highest level of organization, cleanliness, and safety. Although DREAM will have ultimate authority over the program's strategic direction, you'll be a key player in furthering the organization's goal of being a best-in-class food and nutrition program.

What the Position Entails:

Your work will depend on the needs of the program. You may be asked to fulfill any of the following responsibilities.

Food Production:

• Execute the daily production and service of National School Lunch Program (NSLP)- and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)-compliant meals for DREAM students and staff.
• Maintain kitchen operating standards, protocols, and SOPs that promote the highest level of food quality, food safety and consistency.
• Monitor feedback and preferences from students and communicate these to the DREAM Program Chef.

Operations:

• Receive and store deliveries.
• Assist with monthly physical inventory of food and supplies.
• Maintain required records, including those related to food production, purchasing, and inventory, as well as all HACCP documentation, including food safety and temperature logs.
• Ensure food safety, cleanliness and organization standards are maintained to the highest level at all times.

Other:

• Participate in occasional district- or community-wide events, such as career fairs, back-to-school nights, and community meals. Assist with food production for events, as requested.
• Interface with DREAM students, employees, and leadership from a wide variety of backgrounds. Establish and maintain strong relationships with families, students, and school staff and leaders.
• Adhere to all Brigaid and DREAM protocols and standards as outlined in our respective employee handbooks.
• Adhere to all United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of Health guidelines and regulations.
• Assist with any other job-related tasks, including, but not limited to, setting up and breaking down kitchens, preparing, packing and serving food, cleaning kitchens, and doing dishes.

How You'll Be Successful:

• Model the highest standards for food quality and safety, organization, and professionalism.
• Demonstrate a genuine passion for institutional foodservice.
• Remain open to different visions of "good food."
• Exhibit strong knowledge of foundational cooking techniques.
• Work well under pressure.
• Possess strong critical thinking and planning skills, with the ability to collaborate on setting and implementing a vision of excellence.
• Display a strong understanding of (or an ability to learn) NSLP and CACFP standards and regulations.
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences, including colleagues, students, and families.
• Demonstrate basic computer literacy, including Microsoft and Google programs and Zoom.
• Be flexible in accommodating changes in schedule.
• Demonstrate a desire and ability to receive and implement feedback.
• Commit to working with diverse populations of families and students.
• Possess a strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of DREAM students, families, and the community.

Professional Requirements:

• At least 2 years of professional cooking experience
• Valid NYC DOH Food Protection Certificate, or the ability to take the self-paced course and pass the exam prior to starting
• ServSafe Manager certified or the ability to take a Brigaid-sponsored 8-hour ServSafe Manager course and pass the exam during your initial training period
• Successful completion of three background checks prior to your start date

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds
• Ability to walk around and stand for long periods of time

Why Us:

Our goal is for every team member to feel empowered and excited by their work. We cheer each other on, celebrate big and small wins, and foster professional growth through a comprehensive leadership training series.

We're proud to offer:

• 100% company-paid employee health insurance through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a gold-level plan and the option to buy up to a platinum-level plan
• 100% company-paid employee dental and vision insurance through Guardian
• Optional health, dental, and vision coverage for eligible dependents, with dependent premiums paid by the employee
• 100% company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance through Guardian
• An optional Dependent Care FSA (employee-funded)
• Vacation PTO: 8 days (64 hours) in the initial benefit tier
• Federal Holidays: 11 paid holidays
• Sick Time: 6 days (48 hours)
• Paid School Closure Days: Approximately 21 designated paid school-closure days, based on DREAM's annual operating calendar
• A 401(k) with a 4% company match and immediate vesting

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume. We'll contact qualified candidates to participate in a first-round, 30-minute Zoom interview. After that, selected candidates will be invited to a 2-hour in-person practical interview in the Bronx, NY. To be considered, you must be able to attend this in-person interview.

Please note: We read every application! However, due to the high volume of applicants, our team is only able to contact qualified candidates. Although we appreciate your excitement, we kindly ask that you refrain from emailing or calling us about your application status. Thank you!

We're an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, socio-economic status, marital status, national or ethnic origin, age, religion or creed, disability, political or sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under state or federal law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities as defined by the ADA to perform the essential functions of the job.