Cook, Food Preparation and Education Specialist - West End Wellness Center (WEWC)

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Cook to join their team at the West End Wellness Center. This role involves preparing nutritious meals for a diverse group of clients, managing kitchen inventory, and collaborating with clinical staff to teach essential cooking skills. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of food safety and preparation methods, along with a passion for supporting individuals in a rehabilitation setting. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact in the community while honing your culinary skills, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in food preparation as a cook.
• Completion of high school-level courses in arithmetic and English.
• Possession of a valid food service sanitation certificate.

Responsibilities

• Prepare meals for 15-60 individuals daily at WEWC.
• Plan healthy, well-balanced meals in partnership with the team.
• Manage inventory and conduct grocery shopping.

Skills

Food Preparation Methods

Sanitation and Safety Principles

Inventory Management

Meal Planning

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Cook

Food Preparation and Education Specialist

West End Wellness Center (WEWC)

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Cook position.

An Overview

The West End Wellness Center (WEWC) Cook works preparing meals for the West End Wellness Center psychosocial rehabilitation program. Work hours are typically Monday to Friday during business hours and will include some later evenings and weekends to meet program needs. The Cook is responsible for planning, shopping, preparing, and serving meals for approximately 15 to 60 individuals daily. The WEWC Cook will also be responsible for overall inventory control and maintenance of the kitchen, including all equipment in accordance with DCHS and the Health Department standards. The WEWC Cook partners with clinical staff to teach clients meal planning, food preparation, and kitchen management skills.

What You Should Bring

The ideal candidate should have some knowledge of acceptable food preparation methods; some knowledge of the principles of sanitation and safety in food service operations; ability to interpret and follow written and oral instructions; ability to lift and maneuver heavy objects, equipment and supplies.

The Opportunity

• Prepares meals for WEWC daily, approximately 15 - 50 individuals per day;
• Plans a schedule of healthy, well-balanced meals each month, in partnership with the WEWC Team Leader and a consulting nutritionist;
• Conducts all grocery shopping and manages the inventory food;
• Willingness to partner with clinical staff to engage program clients in learning and performing food preparation and kitchen maintenance;
• Labels and discards foods after expiration date;
• Measures and serves portions for special diets and various cuisines;
• Coordinates with verifying deliveries and in properly storing food and supplies;
• Attends staff meetings;
• Keeps department required trainings up to date;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult ProtectiveServices; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential

Support Services forseniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders.CAS provides compassionate and effective person-

centeredservices based on best practices. Ourteams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse,neglect, mental illness,

intellectualdisabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Some experience in food preparation as a cook, and completion of high school-level courses in arithmetic and English; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Possession of a valid certificate in food service sanitation as required by the City of Alexandria, and successful completion of a City medical examination prior to the date of appointment.

Five or more years of experience in institutional food services; High School Diploma or GED; valid driver's license from the state of residence with good driving record; Fluent and Bilingual in both English and Spanish.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment checks to include: Criminal Record Check; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medical/Fitness for Duty/Drug Testing; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; Driver's License from state of residence and education/certifications.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM with flexibility and some evenings/ weekends.