Cook / Direct Support Professional

SCO; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

SCO in New York, NY, is seeking a dedicated food service worker to develop, prepare, and serve nutritious meals that meet the dietary needs of individuals served, in compliance with OPWDD, ICF, DOH, CMS, and HCBS Waiver requirements.

You will promote health and dignity through sanitary practices, coordination with the Residence Manager and interdisciplinary team, and adherence to allergy-aware meal planning. This on-site role requires NY driver license and food handling certification.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and experience in food service.
• New York State Driver’s License required.
• Food Handling certification required.
• Ability to cook for large number of people.
• Minimum of one year professional experience.
• Must be able to read and write English.
• SCIP-R and First Aid CPR & AED training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and serve nutritious, balanced meals meeting dietary needs and preferences.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional standards and align with prescribed diets.
• Maintain health, safety, dignity, and person‑centered planning in meal service.
• Practice sanitation, food handling, storage, and temperature control per DOH and CMS standards.
• Keep kitchen, dining areas, appliances, and surfaces clean and sanitary at all times.
• Collaborate with Residence Manager, Program Director, and IDT for menus and grocery planning.
• Post weekly menus for administrative approval.
• Provide alternative meals for allergies or dietary restrictions.

Skills

English literacy

Cook for large groups

Lift up to 50 lbs

Stand for hours

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

• Develop, prepare, and serve nutritious, balanced meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of individuals served, in accordance with OPWDD, ICF, DOH, CMS, and HCBS Waiver requirements.
• Ensure all meals meet required nutritional standards, including appropriate portions from the four food groups, and are consistent with ordered therapeutic or medically prescribed diets.
• Prepare meals in a manner that promotes health, safety, dignity, and individual choice, consistent with person‑centered planning principles.
• Practice proper sanitation, food handling, food storage, and temperature control in compliance with DOH Food requirements, OPWDD sanitation regulations, and CMS infection prevention standards.
• Ensure the kitchen, dining areas, appliances, and food preparation surfaces are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at all times.
• Ensure all eating and cooking utensils, cookware, and equipment are cleaned, sanitized, and properly stored.
• Maintain compliance with universal precautions, infection control protocols, and safe food storage guidelines, including prevention of cross‑contamination.
• Collaborate with the Residence Manager, Program Director, and interdisciplinary team (IDT) in the development of grocery lists, menus, and meal planning.
• Post weekly menus in a visible area, ensuring menus receive appropriate administrative approval.
• Ensure alternative meals are available and documented for individuals with food allergies, intolerances, religious restrictions, cultural preferences, or special dietary needs.
• Provide and display educational materials related to nutrition, food groups, and healthy eating practices as appropriate.
• Order and maintain adequate food, supplies, and equipment to ensure meals are prepared and served as scheduled.
• Participate in scheduled meetings related to food services, menus, nutrition, and meal preparation, as required.
• Attend residence events and activities when requested, supporting community inclusion and quality of life initiatives.
• Maintain assigned dress code, including required personal protective equipment (PPE) and food‑service attire in accordance with sanitation standards.
• Perform all additional duties as assigned to support the health, safety, and well‑being of individuals served.
• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team in the delivery of services.
• Promote and support an environment consistent with Positive Behavior Support plans & principles.
• Encourage pro‑social behaviors and respectful interactions between individuals and staff.
• Support and participate in behavioral support plans as directed and within scope of role.
• Assist with daily care and cleanliness of individuals, as needed and appropriate, while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Attend and participate in mandatory in-service trainings, staff meetings, and professional development seminars as required by OPWDD, CMS, and agency policy.
• Maintain compliance with all agency policies, OPWDD regulations, HCBS Waiver requirements, Justice Center standards, and CMS conditions of participation.
• All duties and responsibilities as requested by program administration.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• New York State Driver’s License required.
• Obtain and Maintain Food Handling certification.
• Lift up to 25-50 Pounds.
• Stand on your feet for several hours.
• High School Diploma and experience in food service.
• Must be able to read and write English.
• Acceptable clearance checks for State Central Register, Driver license and fingerprinting as required by the program.
• Compliance with health regulations of PPD.
• Ability to cook for large number of people.
• Minimum of one-year professional experience.
• Obtain and Maintain SCIP-R and First Aid CPR & AED training.

Travel Required

Yes . Yes, 25 % of the Time

Preferred

High School or better.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

DRIVER'S LICENSE

Equal Opportunity Employer
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