Cook (5965)

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision

Telehealth access

Paid holidays

Generous PTO starting at 16 days

Job summary

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a Cook to support meal preparation and serving for residents in a care facility. The role emphasizes cleanliness, food safety, and reliable food service operations in a residential setting.

You will ensure ingredients are stocked, assist with cooking, monitor temperatures, label and store foods, and maintain documentation while following state guidelines. Bilingual English/Spanish is required, and a valid Food Handler’s Certificate is necessary.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED with 1–2 years of related experience.
• Must maintain current Food Handler’s Certificate.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is required.

Responsibilities

• Ensures ingredients are readily available.
• Prepares food and assists in cooking.
• Maintains proper temperature documentation for foods.
• Apportions and serves food to facility residents.
• Follows safe food handling procedures and guidelines.
• Completes mandatory training hours on time.
• Cleans and organizes kitchen equipment and utensils.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Driver's license

Education

High School diploma or GED

Food Handler’s Certificate

Job description

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Cook who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

This position will assist in preparing and serving food; maintains a clean kitchen including, but not limited to, kitchen utensils, equipment, and food preparation areas.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures needed ingredients are readily available.
• Prepares food and assists in cooking of food as needed.
• Maintains proper documentation of temperatures for warm and cold food.
• Makes sure appliances are clean and in working order.
• Cleans and organizes kitchen equipment, including cleaning pots and pants.
• Assists in sorting, organizing, storing, and distributing food.
• Properly labels all food products with expiration dates and stores according to State guidelines.
• Stock new food items neatly, rotating older items to the front.
• Breaks down boxes and throws away garbage.
• Assists in purchasing fruits and vegetables when needed.
• Washes cleaning rags/fold and put away.
• Makes sure proper procedures for food handling and food safety guidelines are followed.
• Completes all mandatory training hours in a timely basis.
• Completes and keeps current Food Handler’s Certificate Training.

Other Functions:

• Wash pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and other cooking equipment.
• Apportion and serve food to facility residents.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Bending, stooping and lifting up to 30 pounds required to complete daily tasks. Most activities include repetitive motions and can include overhead reaching.

Education:

• High School diploma or general education degree (GED) with at least one (1) year of related experience required.
• Must maintain current and active Food Handler’s Certificate.

Experience:

One (1) or Two (2) years’ experience in food service preparation within a residential, institutional or educational, or large restaurant setting.

Skills:

• Must possess a valid state driver’s license preferred and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required by contractual agreement.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is required.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within theorganization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
• Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunityemployer.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.