Cook

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta; Decatur (GA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta invites applications for a Cook at the YMCA South DeKalb Early Learning Center. Join a mission-driven team delivering CACFP-compliant meals and nourishing young minds through safe, high‑quality food service.

You will prepare meals, manage inventory, follow sanitation guidelines, and support daily meal schedules while upholding the organization’s values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ years of meal preparation experience.
• ServSafe certification within 30 days of employment.
• Must pass background checks and drug screening.
• Legally eligible to work in the US without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Prepare purchase orders according to established procedures.
• Receive and store food.
• Keep inventory of foods and utensils and equipment.
• Maintain the required CACFP Daily Menu and Food Service Records.
• Comply with all sanitation and safety codes.
• Assist with serving meals according to time schedules.
• Make menu substitutions when needed following established procedures.
• Serve meals in an attractive manner.
• 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.
• Sweep floors.

Skills

Food preparation

Food safety

Cleanliness and sanitation

Stamina and physical fitness

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe Certification within 30 days

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

Reporting directly to the Center Manager, the Cook is responsible for the 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 (including, But Not Limited To)

• Prepare purchase orders according to established procedures.
• Receive and store food.
• Keep inventory of foods and utensils and equipment.
• Maintain the required CACFP Daily Menu and Food Service Records.
• Comply with all sanitation and safety codes.
• Assist with serving meals according to time schedules.
• Make 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.
• Sweep floors.

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

• High school diploma and/or GED equivalent
• 1+ years of experience in preparing meals and
• Must have or be able to obtain a ServSafe Certification within 30 days of employment
• Must be able to pass all required background checks (which may include fingerprinting) and drug screens

ERGONOMICS: Must be able to stand for long periods of time, move about the kitchen and site as needed, and lift up to 30lbs.

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.

This job posting is subject to change at any time.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta offers excellent benefits and career opportunities as part of our culture of excellence. The opportunities to serve are vast, and we’re looking for like minded people, who share our values of CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY to join us and do their best work.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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 South DeKalb Early Learning Center