Food Service Worker/Cook

Okaya Inc; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Okaya Inc. is seeking a Cook to prepare meals according to established recipes and dietary guidelines in a facility setting. You will follow menus, maintain high food quality, and work with kitchen staff to ensure timely meal service.

The role requires a high school diploma and experience in food preparation in institutional settings. Flexibility for weekends and holidays is expected, and background checks are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food preparation, particularly in an institutional setting.

Responsibilities

• Meal preparation following recipes and meal plans to prepare meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
• Adhere to food safety standards, proper handling, storage, and sanitation of kitchen items.
• Assist in managing food inventory, tracking ingredients, and reporting low stock to supervisors.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely service and adherence to dietary requirements.
• Serve meals to staff and residents, accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Logging temperatures and documenting food usage; follow procedures for waste management.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays; perform duties in accordance with health regulations.

Skills

Meal preparation

Food safety

Inventory management

Team collaboration

Customer service

Record keeping

First Aid CPR readiness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Cook

General Description

The role of Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food according to established recipes and dietary guidelines, typically in a food service or institutional setting. This job reports to the building IDD Director.

Shift

Alternating schedule of:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 6:30AM 7:30PM
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday 6:30AM 7:30PM

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in food preparation, particularly in a institutional setting

Duties and Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: Following specific recipes and meal plans to prepare
  breakfast, lunch, or dinner items. This can involve cooking large quantities of food,
  ensuring proper portion control, and maintaining the quality and taste of the dishes.
• Food Safety and Sanitation: Adhering to food safety standards, including proper
  handling, storage, and preparation of food items. Keeping the kitchen area clean,
  washing dishes, and ensuring all equipment is sanitized.
• Inventory Management: Assisting in managing food inventory by tracking
  ingredients, notifying supervisors of low stock, and helping with the receipt and storage
  of food supplies.
• Collaboration: Working closely with other kitchen staff to ensure timely meal
  service and adherence to dietary requirements.
• Customer Service: Occasionally interacting with staff and residents to serve
  meals, accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Record Keeping: Logging temperatures of food items and equipment,
  documenting food usage, and following procedures for food waste management.
• Full-Time Cooks need to be on a flexible schedule, including weekends and
  holidays, and are expected to perform their duties efficiently and in accordance with
  health regulations.

Knowledge & Abilities

Knowledge:

• Basic verbal and written communication skills to complex ideas and concepts to
  residents:
• Ability to prepare and serve meals and snacks in compliance with approved
  menus provided by a Registered Dietician.
• Familiarity with USDA meal requirements for adults in terms of portion size and
  nutritional content.
• Basic knowledge of nutrition, including managing food allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Basic knowledge on how to perform simple arithmetic operations, such as working with
  fractions, percentages, and ratios.

Abilities:

• Preparing meals, snacks, and other food items according to the established
  menus and health guidelines.
• Maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness in food preparation areas, including
  regular cleaning of kitchen equipment, countertops, stove, refrigerator, and garbage
  cans.
• Managing food inventory, including keeping an accurate count of supplies, and
  requesting approval for any menu changes.
• Ensuring the welfare, health, and safety of all residents during mealtimes,
  including maintaining an accessible file for food allergies.
• Supporting other staff by occasionally relieving staff for breaks, and maintaining
  overall kitchen cleanliness and sanitation.
• Completing First Aid CPR training as scheduled.
• Maintaining clear communication with the supervisor regarding any food-related
  issues or concerns.

Certifications

• Must complete First Aid and CPR training as required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move kitchen supplies and equipment as needed.
• Capability to stand for extended periods during food preparation.

Additional Requirements

• Must always demonstrate proper hygiene in food preparation.
• Willingness to perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Information

• Selected applicants must verify experience/highest degree held.
• The selected applicant must comply with the State of Tennessee Employee Drug-
  Free Workplace Policy, and other policies.
• Selected applicant(s) will be required to submit to and pass a TBI/FBI
  background check and fingerprinting, to include Tennessee and Federal criminal history
  checks, child abuse records, employment verification, and professional/personal
  reference checks.