Cook Assistant (350)

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.; Fort Walton Beach (FL); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision

Telehealth

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employer paid life insurance

13 paid holidays + floating holiday

PTO starting at 16 days

403(b) retirement plan with employer 3

Job summary

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) seeks a Cook Assistant to support kitchen operations, prepare meals, and assist in CACFP-compliant food service for children and families. The role emphasizes accuracy, teamwork, and adherence to safety and sanitation standards.

You will help with ingredient prep, portioning, and documentation, and may assume Cook duties during PTO or illness to ensure uninterrupted meal service.

Qualifications

• Entry-level position with on-the-job training.
• 1 year experience in quantity food preparation preferred.
• Must obtain Food Handlers or ServSafe certification within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing ingredients and cooking meals according to standardized recipes.
• Set up and organize workstations and ensure tools and ingredients are ready.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure timely meal preparation and delivery.
• Maintain food quality, taste, and presentation with proper portion control.
• Assist with inventory, deliveries, and record-keeping per CACFP guidelines.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Food safety

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Kitchen equipment

Job description

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

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

Purpose and Impact:

The Cook Assistant works to support kitchen operations and functions as part of a team, assisting in ordering, preparing, serving and documentation of meals and snacks. This position adheres to health and food safety codes and cleanliness of the kitchen and foodservice and storage areas. May assist in preparing foods for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in preparing ingredients and cooking meals according to standardized recipes and menu standards following menus approved by the Registered Dietitian and aid in any food related activities as directed, ensuring proper portioning and presentation.
• Set up and organize workstations, ensuring all necessary tools and ingredients are available and ready for use.
• Collaborate with other staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of meals.
• Help maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation, ensuring consistency. Monitor and maintain portion control and waste reduction.
• Assist in managing the inventory of food, supplies, and equipment to facilitate smooth operations and report any shortages to the supervisor.
• Assist with receiving and storing deliveries of food items, checking for quality and accuracy.
• Assist in addressing special dietary requests and accommodate food allergies or restrictions as required.
• Collaborate with staff to create food-related experiences that support family-style meal service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and storage areas, adhering to proper sanitation procedures of food and equipment.
• Maintain safe usage of all kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Report safety or health concerns, including malfunctioning kitchen equipment, to the supervisor promptly.
• Maintain compliance with all hygiene and sanitation standards, including proper food handling, storage, and cleaning procedures set by local, state, and federal regulations.
• Assist in documenting food purchases, preparation, and serving in accordance with USDA CACFP guidelines. Organize and submit necessary records as required.
• In the absence of the Cook due to PTO or sick leave, the Cook Assistant will assume the responsibilities of the Cook to ensure uninterrupted meal service and kitchen operations.
• Attend all required staff meetings and trainings as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Functions:

Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all the activities described above.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, up to 6–8 hours per shift.
• Frequent walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching in a kitchen environment.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds, including bulk food items and kitchen equipment.
• Manual dexterity to handle kitchen tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to work in environments with fluctuating temperatures (e.g., hot kitchens, walk‑in freezers).
• Must have the stamina to perform repetitive tasks such as chopping, stirring, lifting, and cleaning throughout the workday.
• Adequate vision and hearing to safely work around hot surfaces, sharp tools, and noisy kitchen equipment.
• Must be able to respond quickly to kitchen emergencies or hazards.

Education:

High School diploma or general education degree (GED).

Experience:

This is an entry‑level position. Prefer 1 year experience in quantity food preparation and inventory control.

Also Required:

Within 90 days of employment, must have Food Handlers Certification or ServSafe certification (if required by local regulations). Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Ability to follow directions and assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Ability to adapt to changing menus, ingredients, and kitchen demands.
• Familiarity with a variety of cooking techniques and the use of various kitchen equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to assist in managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage time effectively.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative and positive attitude.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Team player with co‑workers and Head Start staff.
• Adherence to LSF, HS/EHS policies and practices

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 the organization.

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 opportunity employer.

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.