Cook

About the Role

The Cook at Raymond Yorkville Elementary-55104 plays a vital role in preparing nutritious and appealing meals for students and staff, ensuring food safety and quality standards are consistently met. This position requires the ability to efficiently manage food preparation tasks while adhering to established recipes and portion controls to support the school's meal programs. The Cook will collaborate with kitchen staff to maintain a clean and organized work environment, complying with health regulations and safety protocols. This role demands physical stamina to stand for extended periods and perform manual tasks with precision and care. Ultimately, the Cook contributes to the well-being and satisfaction of the school community by delivering meals that meet dietary guidelines and promote healthy eating habits.

Job Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to established recipes and nutritional guidelines.
• Ensure all food is handled safely and hygienically, following health and safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and food preparation areas.
• Manage inventory and assist with receiving and storing food supplies.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to coordinate meal production and service schedules.
• Monitor food quality and portion sizes to minimize waste and ensure consistency.
• Communicate effectively with team members and school staff regarding meal requirements and special dietary needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proven experience in food preparation and cooking in a professional or institutional setting.
• Ability to speak and understand English to follow instructions and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated manual dexterity and ability to handle kitchen tools and equipment safely.
• Capability to stand for extended periods during food preparation and service.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and proper hygiene practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in food handling or culinary arts.
• Experience working in a school or similar institutional food service environment.
• Familiarity with nutrition guidelines for children and special dietary accommodations.
• Basic knowledge of inventory management and kitchen equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Skills

The required skills such as food preparation and manual dexterity are essential for efficiently and safely preparing meals that meet quality standards. Speaking English fluently enables clear communication with team members and school staff to ensure smooth kitchen operations and adherence to dietary requirements. The ability to stand for extended periods supports the physical demands of cooking and serving food throughout the day. Food production skills are applied daily to manage multiple tasks including cooking, plating, and cleaning, ensuring timely meal service. Preferred skills like knowledge of nutrition and food safety certifications enhance the Cook's ability to provide meals that support student health and comply with regulatory standards.

• 2 years previous experience in a school food service setting preferred
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Able to follow supervisors direction and lead a small team
• Strong communication skills with employees and client
• Able to follow spoken and written directions
• Ability to prioritize, plan and use time efficiently
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality when dealing with student, staff, and/or parent information
• ServSafe Certificate preferred
• Criminal background check required
  EOE/AA