Assistant Cook

YMCA of Metro Atlanta; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA of Metro Atlanta is seeking an Assistant Cook to support meal preparation and service within our Head Start program. You will help ensure CACFP compliance and follow USDA guidelines while maintaining high sanitation and safety standards.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, at least one year of cooking experience, and the ability to obtain ServSafe certification within 30 days. The role entails standing for long periods and lifting up to 30 lbs at the YMCA Collins Early

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma and/or GED equivalent.
• At least one year’s experience in preparing meals.
• Must obtain ServSafe Certification within 30 days of employment.
• Must pass background check and drug test.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of meals and serving according to CACFP/USDA guidelines.
• Assist with inventory, storage and receiving of food and supplies.
• Maintain sanitation and cleanliness in the food service area.
• Follow safety codes and proper attire when handling food.
• Support the maintenance of required Daily Menu and Food Service Records.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety

Attention to cleanliness

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

As a thought-leader and best-in-class provider in education, wellness, youth development, and community-building, The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is one of the oldest and most essential non-profits serving in Atlanta. Today, we’re looking for you to join us as we carry out our mission to positively impact lives and communities across the state. At the Y, we’re an association of like-minded people (staff, volunteers, and members), on the forefront of a movement to ensure that everyone -- especially children -- experience an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. In the course of a year, we provide more than 3,000 children, ages 6 weeks through Pre-K with high-quality literacy and STEAM-infused learning; give 58,000 youth and teens access to sports, aquatics, day and resident camps, teen leadership development programs, and employment opportunities; provide over 200,000 members with programs, services, and facilities to enjoy connection and maintain wellness regardless of age; and engage over 25,000 volunteers and donors from across Atlanta to share in the gift of supporting their communities.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Under the supervision of the Lead Cook, the Assistant Cook will assist the Cook in the preparation and service of meals and the implementation of the food service program in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and Child and Adult Care Food Program and USDA guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the preparation of purchase orders according to established procedures.
• Assist with receiving and storing food.
• Assist with inventory of foods and utensils and equipment.
• Assist in the maintenance of required CACFP Daily Menu and Food Service Record.
• Comply with all sanitation and safety codes.
• Assist with serving meals according to time schedules.
• Assist in making menu substitutions when needed following established procedures.
• Serve meals in an attractive manner.
• Wear mandated attire (white uniform, enclosed, skid‑free shoes), hair net, apron, manicured, short nails (free of colored nail polish) and gloves when handling food products.
• Maintain sanitation and cleanliness in the food service area.
• Compare food delivery invoices to food and supplies delivered.
• Store food and supplies properly.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, etc.
• Clean kitchen equipment.
• Store clean dishes, pots, pans, etc. according to guidelines.
• Discard unused foods that were served.
• Cover food before serving to units.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Food preparation – should have knowledge about food preparation and should be able to contribute to industrial‑or institutional scale food handling and prep.
• Food safety – knowledge in this role, food handler should be well‑versed in best practices for safe handling and transportation of food to prevent spoilage and other contamination.
• Attention – to cleanliness‑workplace safety and cleanliness are also essential in preventing contamination and illness; the food handlers should have a thorough understanding of cleaning and sanitation.
• Physical fitness – food handler may need and must be able to perform repetitive or strenuous task during food preparation, so they should possess a high level of stamina.
• Teamwork – Work with other team members, team collaboration and communication are necessary.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must have high school diploma and/or GED equivalent
• At least one year’s experience in preparing meals
• Must have be able to obtain within 30 days of employment a ServSafe Certification
• Must be able to pass background check (which may including fingerprinting) and drug test

ERGONOMICS

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time, move easily around the kitchen and site as needed, and lift up to 30 lbs.

Employment and Benefits package for this job posting is offered through Early Childhood Development Co., LLC, whose sole managing member is the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENT

Employment Requirement: Ability to pass a pre-employment background check including Criminal Record check, Drug Screening, motor vehicle record (MVR) and reference check according to company policy. Must be legally eligible to work in the US without current or future sponsorship.

Location: YMCA Collins Early Learning Center

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is an association of volunteers, members and staff, open to and serving all, with programs and services which build spirit, mind, and body. The Y believes in strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. When you join our team, you become part of a legacy over a century in the making, where passionate individuals work together to create meaningful change. Whether you're coaching future leaders, supporting wellness initiatives, or fostering connections, your work will have a lasting impact. Explore your potential, grow your career, and make a difference with the Y. Become a part of something bigger today!