Cook - 6th Street-Residential Services

HealthRIGHT 360; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

HealthRIGHT 360 in Los Angeles seeks a Cook to support the Male Community Reentry Program, providing balanced meals and maintaining a safe kitchen. You will follow menus, manage portions, and assist with shopping and ordering within budget.

The role emphasizes food safety, sanitation, and client interaction, including training kitchen clients and coordinating with the Food Services team to meet agency goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary degree preferred.
• Current food safety and sanitation certification; valid First Aid/ CPR or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Prepare balanced, nutritious meals following the production menu.
• Manage food ordering and inventory within budget.
• Operate in kitchen safely, maintain sanitation per codes.
• Train and supervise kitchen clients; ensure policy compliance.
• Drive Food Services van to transport supplies between facilities.
• Maintain equipment and support maintenance needs.
• Complete training and attend meetings.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication

Computer Literacy

Culinary Skills

Cultural Competence

Dietary Knowledge

Food Safety

Leadership

Teamwork

Bilingual

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary degree preferred

First Aid and CPR certification

Valid California driver’s license

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

HealthRIGHT 360, a nonprofit organization and a family of programs, is committed to providing accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to vulnerable populations. Our mission is to tackle systemic barriers to healthcare and promote health equity for all. We offer a wide range of services, including mental health care, residential and outpatient substance use treatment, and primary health services. Additionally, we provide transitional support for individuals re-entering the community after involvement in the criminal justice system. By integrating physical and behavioral health, we empower individuals to overcome challenges by addressing social determinants of health, fostering resilience, and facilitating recovery.

The Food Services Department plays a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of residents through the provision of nutritious and appealing meals. This department is dedicated to creating a supportive and therapeutic environment by ensuring that all dietary needs are met and that meals contribute to the clients’ overall recovery process.

The Cook contributes to the program by both independently and collaboratively operating within a dynamic, team-centered kitchen environment, primarily at the Male Community Reentry Program, a program of HealthRIGHT 360, that offers residential treatment and reentry support for adult men who are in custody and on parole. Cook oversees and carry out food preparation, ordering, and shopping activities in alignment with the agency's quality and budgetary goals. Additionally, the Cook prioritizes food safety, maintains proper sanitation standards, and adheres to the FIFO method, among other responsibilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Meal Preparation and Nutrition

• Ensure meals are well balanced, nutritious, and appealing.
• Follow the production menu.
• Prepare food for residents and special events.

Cost Management and Resource Utilization

• Reduce unnecessary costs whenever possible.
• Utilize donations and creativity on menus.
• Order food within budget.

Transportation and Logistics

• Drive Food Services van to transport food, meals, and other supplies between facilities.
• Advise on possible improvements in efficiency, productivity, etc.
• Manage food storage, proper refrigeration, and inventory control.

Safety and Compliance

• Maintain professional safety standards, cleanliness, and sanitation in accordance with health and safety codes.
• Ensure servicing and repair of equipment.
• Notify supervisor of equipment needs.

Training and Client Interaction

• Ensure that all kitchen client workers are familiar with agency and departmental policies, procedures, and practices for safe food handling.
• Hold clients accountable for safety standards.
• Train and evaluate clients assigned to the kitchen.

Teamwork and Morale

• Maintain team spirit and morale within the kitchen.
• Work as a team with Food Services to further Department and Agency needs.

Administration and Other Duties

• Complete all assigned training in a timely manner.
• Attend and participate in meetings.
• Read and respond to emails and messages when appropriate.
• Maintain food handler’s certification.

And perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certification, or Licensure

• High school diploma or equivalent required. A culinary degree from a recognized culinary institution preferred.
• Current certification in food safety and sanitation. Valid First Aid and CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.Valid California driver’s license.

Experience

• Experience in a professional kitchen, preferably in various culinary roles.
• Experience with FIFO method.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail. Meticulous attention to detail to ensure consistency and accuracy in food preparation and presentation.
• Communication. Clear and concise communication skills to effectively liaise with kitchen team members and other departments. Ability to follow instructions and relay information.
• Computer Literacy. Ability to use the computer for training, documentation, to read and respond to emails, and perform administrative tasks.
• Culinary Skills. Proficiency in food preparation, cooking techniques, and menu planning. Ability to follow menus accurately.
• Cultural Competence. Interfaces well with diverse, disadvantaged populations including those with history of incarceration, substance abuse, or mental illness while withholding judgment
• Dietary Knowledge. Understanding of nutrition principles and ability to accommodate special diets.
• Food Safety. Knowledge of safe food handling practices and sanitation standards.
• Leadership. Ability to lead, guide, and delegate tasks to staff and clients in the kitchen in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Teamwork. Collaborative attitude and willingness to work harmoniously with colleagues and clients while maintaining appropriate boundaries at all times.
• Bilingual preferred.

Background Check and Other Requirements

• Qualified candidates with a criminal record will be considered for employment.

Must be capable of obtaining and maintaining a satisfactory background check.

Must be capable of meeting health screening and tuberculosis testing requirements

Must be capable of meeting program and funding requirements.

Must be capable of maintaining credential requirements.

Must be capable of obtaining clearance and maintaining agency vehicle insurance coverage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

In an 8-hr workday, employee is required to perform work:

• Sitting: 0 Hr
• Standing: 5 Hrs
• Walking: 3 Hrs
• Driving: Occasionally

In an average month, employee must travel out of town:

• Often (>2x)
• Sometimes (<2x)
• Never

In an 8-hr workday, employee must:

• Bend/stoop:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Climb:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Reach above shoulder level:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Kneel:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Balance:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Push/pull:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Squat:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Crawl:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Crouch:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Lift*:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)
• Carry**:
  • Not at all
  • Occasionally (1/4-2½ hrs.)
  • Frequently (2½-5½ hrs.)
  • Continuously (5½-8 hrs.)

Job requires:

• Working at heights: No (Explain)
• Operating heavy machinery: No (Type)
• Operating desk machines: Yes (Type: Computer, Use of kitchen equipment such as slicer, mixer, blender, etc.)
• Precise manual dexterity: Yes (Explain: Documentation, data entry, use of cutting tools and kitchen utensils)
• Exposure to extreme heat, cold, humidity: Yes (Explain: Work in kitchen refrigerator and freezer)
• Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, chemicals: Yes (Explain: Cooking fumes, cleaning products, etc.)