Cook -Cedar Rapids

Four Oaks Family & Children Services; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Oaks Family & Children Services is seeking a Dietary Aide / Cook to prepare nutritious meals for youth in residential care. You will follow NSL guidelines, assist with menus, and help ensure meals are served on time with balanced nutrition.

The role emphasizes food safety, organized kitchen operations, and teamwork. If you are dependable, enthusiastic, and enjoy making a difference through meals, apply today.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
• Maintain clean, proper personal hygiene and grooming.
• Communicate clearly with managers and kitchen staff.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds safely.
• Stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
• Follow all safety and sanitation procedures.
• Handle kitchen utensils and food preparation tools safely.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals using standardized recipes and NSL guidelines.
• Assist with planning daily menus and meal rotations.
• Prepare and serve meals on schedule with consistency.
• Keep kitchen organized, stocked, and clean.
• Maintain accurate meal counts and required records.
• Collaborate with team to ensure a positive dining experience.

Skills

Communication

Hygiene

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details: Level: Entry, Job Location: Cedar Rapids - Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time, Education Level: High School Diploma or GED, Salary Range: $15.00 - $16.50 Hourly, Travel Percentage: No Travel required, Job Category: Restaurant - Food Service, Dietary Aide / Cook

Cook with Purpose. Serve with Heart. Make a Difference!

Love cooking? Enjoy making people smile through a great meal? Looking for a job where your work means more than just preparing food?

At Four Oaks, we believe that a warm meal can do more than satisfy hunger. It can bring comfort, create connections, and make someone's day a little brighter!

We're looking for a dependable, hardworking, and enthusiastic Dietary Aide / Cook to join our team and help provide nutritious, delicious meals for the youth in our residential care programs.

You don't have to work directly with youth to make a difference in their lives. Sometimes, it starts in the kitchen!

What You'll Do

• Cook Up Something Great: Prepare nutritious, delicious meals using standardized recipes and National School Lunch (NSL) guidelines.
• Bring Fresh Ideas to the Table: Assist with planning daily menus and meal rotations that offer variety and balanced nutrition.
• Keep Meals on Schedule: Prepare and serve meals on time, ensuring youth receive consistent, quality food service.
• Keep the Kitchen Running Smoothly: Maintain organized food storage, preparation areas, and kitchen supplies.
• Make Cleanliness a Priority: Follow food safety, sanitation, and health guidelines to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment.
• Stay Organized: Assist with accurate meal counts, documentation, and required food service records.
• Be a Team Player: Jump in where needed and work alongside your team to ensure a positive dining experience for the youth we serve.

Why You'll Love Working at Four Oaks

We're more than a team. We're a family!

At Four Oaks, we know that every role matters. Whether you're providing direct care, supporting daily operations, or preparing meals, you're an important part of helping youth feel safe, supported, and cared for.

We believe in supporting our employees, encouraging professional growth, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued.

More Than Just a Meal. More Than Just a Job.

For the youth in our care, mealtime is more than just another part of the day. It's an opportunity to experience comfort, consistency, and a sense of belonging.

And YOU can be part of making that happen!

Whether you're preparing breakfast to start their day, serving a warm lunch, or helping create a meal that reminds them of home, your work matters.

If you enjoy cooking, take pride in your work, and want to be part of an organization that makes a real difference, we want to hear from you!

Bring Your Passion to the Kitchen. Join Four Oaks!

Qualifications & Program Information: What you need:

• To qualify you must meet be at least 21 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be well groomed, in clean and proper clothing, and practices good personal hygiene at all times.
• Able to communicate clearly with managers, and other kitchen staff team members.
• Able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 40 pounds.
• Able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours).
• Understand and follow all safety and sanitation procedures.
• Able to safely and accurately handle kitchen utensils and other portioning and food preparation utensils.