Cook - Connections North / Central Ave.

Chautauqua Opportunities Inc; City of Dunkirk (NY); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Chautauqua Opportunities Inc is seeking a dedicated kitchen lead to oversee daily meal preparation that aligns with USDA and local guidelines. The role focuses on safe operation, portion control, and timely meal service for a 35-hour work week.

You will supervise and train kitchen staff, coordinate with vendors, and assist in menu planning ensuring dietary needs are met. Strong attention to hygiene and accurate records are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or certificate in Food Preparation and Food Management with 2 years cooking experience, or High School diploma/GED with 2 years cooking or leadership experience.
• Knowledge of health and sanitation procedures.
• Knowledge of food allergies and intolerances.
• Basic math and record keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to planned menus and recipes.
• Ensure health, safety and nutrition regulations are followed.
• Lead and coordinate food prep with kitchen staff.
• Monitor portion control, food quality, and presentation.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and equipment.
• Train and support kitchen staff and substitutes.
• Oversee meal packing and off-site deliveries when needed.
• Order food and supplies within budget.
• Maintain inventory and production reports.
• Assist with menu development and special diets.

Skills

Cooking experience

Food safety knowledge

Basic math

Education

Associate degree or certificate in Food Preparation and Management

High School diploma/GED

Job description

Description

Position Data:

Grade: E3 Non-Exempt X

Reports to: Child Health Services Manager

Basic Function or Position Summary:

Responsible for overseeing the daily preparation of nutritious and appealing meals in accordance with USDA, state, and local guidelines. Ensures efficient and safe kitchen operation and meal service.

Full time 35 hours/weekly $18.03/hourly

Mon-Fri 6:30 am- 2:30 pm

Requirements

Position Responsibilities and Specific Duties: ?

• Prepare and cook meals in accordance with planned menus and standardized recipes
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and nutrition regulations and procedures
• Lead and coordinate food preparation activities with other kitchen staff
• Monitor portion control, food quality, and presentation standards
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and efficiently
• Safely uses all food utensils including knives
• Properly stores food by following food safety policies and procedures
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen, equipment, and serving areas
• Train and support kitchen staff and substitutes as necessary
• Assist with serving meals during meal periods as needed
• Oversee preparation and packing of meals to be served at off-site locations, ensuring readiness for on-time delivery
• Transport, as needed, food and supplies to off-site meal locations.
• Performs opening and/or closing duties of the kitchen
• Maintains good working relationships with vendors
• Communicates changes in the announced menu to the team in a timely manner
• Orders food and supplies within budget parameters
• Maintains accurate inventory and daily production reports
• Assist with menu development for services provided by agency
• Assist in the development of special menus/diets for intolerances, allergies or other dietary needs and ensure they are followed.
• Assists in the planning and preparation of food for special events sponsored by the agency
• Promotes agency mission.
• Maintains confidentiality and complies with the code of ethics.
• Maintains consistent professional customer service.
• Job performance incorporates integrated service delivery model while promoting self-sufficiency.
• Other duties as designated by supervisor

V. Key Working Relationships:

A. Internal: Child care and summer food staff

B. External: Vendors, customers, and Summer Food Program participating agencies

VI. Supervisory Scope:

A. Number of staff supervised: 0

B. Titles supervised: none

VII. Organizational Responsibilities:

• Adheres to all policies and procedures
• Gathers appropriate documentation and tracks outcomes
• Participates in organizational committee structures as appropriate
• Participates in organizational and divisional management systems

VIII. Knowledge, Skills Required:

• Associate’s degree or educational certificate in Food Preparation and Food Management and 2 years cooking experience, OR High School diploma/GED and 2 years of cooking experience or in leadership role preferred or in catering or institutional setting preferred Knowledge of health and sanitation procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of food allergies and food related diseases and the ingredients that can cause allergies/intolerances.
• Basic math and record keeping skills.

IX. Physical

• Ability to lift up to and including 25-50 pounds of physical effort
• Ability to navigate multiple flights of stairs while carrying items.

X. Special Requirements:

• Have or obtain within 90 days of employment, Food Handler Safety Training Certificate (as required by Chautauqua County Department of Health)
• Meets OCFS training requirements and maintains training logs.
• Must be able to provide consistent even tempered customer service at all times
• Completes all required NYS background clearances
• Pre-employment physical exams and TB Testing
• Valid Driver’s license
• Authorized Driver of a COI Vehicle
• Ability to travel throughout the county
• Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing required; subject to random drug and alcohol testing for cause
• Works compassionately with a diverse population (IF APPLICABLE)