Cook - Full time

Join Our Team and Make a Difference!

Three Rivers Treatment Center is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and team-oriented Cook to join our Food Services team. The Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, high-quality meals for students and residents while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene.

This position plays an important role in creating a positive residential environment for the adolescents we serve. The ideal candidate takes pride in their work, works well with others, follows established procedures, and understands the importance of providing meals that are safe, appealing, and prepared according to individual dietary needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and/or direct the preparation of meals according to established recipes, menus, production procedures, and special diet orders.
• Determine the appropriate quantities and types of food and supplies needed for meal preparation.
• Ensure food, supplies, and approved substitutions are available in a timely manner.
• Prepare and maintain the steam table and ensure proper food service during tray line or dining room service.
• Plan food production around scheduled meal times to maintain appropriate food quality, appearance, and temperature.
• Properly portion food for serving.
• Complete required food temperature checks before meals are served.
• Follow all sanitation, health, food safety, and personal hygiene standards.
• Properly store, label, and date all food items.
• Practice safe and appropriate food preparation and handling techniques.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food preparation area.
• Clean and maintain food preparation equipment and report needed repairs or maintenance to the supervisor.
• Use facility supplies, food, and equipment responsibly to minimize waste, loss, and unnecessary expense.
• Work collaboratively with Food Services staff and other departments.
• Develop and maintain appropriate, healthy relationships with children and adolescents while consistently following facility rules and expectations.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student and resident information and comply with HIPAA and Three Rivers Treatment Center privacy policies.
• Complete all required staff development and training in accordance with facility, regulatory, and accrediting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the position.

What We're Looking For:

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

A strong commitment to food safety, cleanliness, and quality.

The ability to work effectively as part of a team.

The ability to work with moderate direct supervision.

Patience, professionalism, and a positive attitude when working in a residential treatment environment.

The ability to develop appropriate and healthy relationships with adolescents.

Knowledge of food preparation methods, materials, appliances, and equipment used in large-scale food production.

Knowledge of modified and specialized diets and menu preparation.

The ability to evaluate food through appearance, taste, smell, and color.

The ability to estimate food quantities needed for meal preparation.

Basic math skills, including working with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and measurements.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

At least one (1) year of experience in fast-food, restaurant, institutional food service, or related food preparation operations.

Must be at least 19 years of age in accordance with applicable Commonwealth of Virginia requirements for children's residential facilities.

ServSafe Certification preferred.

Valid driver's license preferred.

Why Join Three Rivers Treatment Center?

At Three Rivers, every employee contributes to creating a safe, structured, and supportive environment for the young people we serve. Our Food Services team is an important part of that mission.

If you are dependable, take pride in preparing quality meals, and want your work to have a meaningful impact on the lives of adolescents, we would love to hear from you! Apply Today and Become Part of the Three Rivers Team!

Three Rivers Treatment Center is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for our students, residents, and employees.