Food Servicer Worker/Cook (Part-Time)

Northern Children; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Northern Children's Services is seeking a dependable Part-Time Food Service Worker/Cook to join our Residential Dining Program. You will prepare nutritious meals for residents while maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment.

The ideal candidate has at least three years of cooking experience, a high school diploma or GED, and is committed to quality food service. Responsibilities include following recipes, safety standards, and collaborating with staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in cooking or food preparation.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current Food Safety Certification preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Clearances: PA State Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Fingerprint Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare nutritious meals for residents following standardized recipes and schedules.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and workstations.
• Portion and serve meals according to established guidelines and safety standards.
• Label, wrap, store, and rotate food items per safety procedures.
• Assist with menu planning, inventory management, and ordering as needed.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Time management

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position: Part-Time Food Service Worker/Cook

Location: Northern Children's Services – Residential Dining Program

Join Our Team as a Food Service Worker/Cook and help make a difference in the lives of children, youth, and families!

Northern Children's Services is seeking a dependable, friendly, and self-motivated Part-Time Food Service Worker/Cook to join our Residential Dining Program. This position is responsible for preparing nutritious meals for residents while maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment. The ideal candidate is organized, works well independently and as part of a team, and is committed to providing quality food service.

Schedule

• Part-time (20–30 hours per week)
• Monday through Friday
• Hours may vary based on program and operational needs

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in cooking or food preparation.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Current Food Safety Certification (e.g., ServSafe) preferred or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Successful completion of the following clearances:
  • Pennsylvania State Criminal Background Check
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
  • FBI Fingerprint Clearance
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and frequently lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Prepare meals in accordance with federal, state, and local food safety regulations, as well as Northern Children's Services policies and procedures.
• Prepare high-quality meals using standardized recipes to meet established production and meal service schedules.
• Ensure all food is cooked to the appropriate temperatures and meets standards for quality, taste, and presentation.
• Perform food preparation tasks including washing, peeling, cutting, chopping, and portioning fruits, vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.
• Portion and serve meals according to established guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen, including workstations, equipment, utensils, storage areas, and food preparation surfaces.
• Properly label, date, wrap, store, and rotate food items in accordance with food safety and inventory control procedures.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report equipment malfunctions, maintenance needs, or safety concerns promptly to the supervisor.
• Complete required food temperature logs, cooling logs, sanitation records, and other required documentation accurately and on time.
• Assist with menu planning, inventory management, ordering, receiving, and stocking food and kitchen supplies.
• Follow all health, sanitation, and infection control standards to ensure a safe dining environment.
• Minimize food waste while maintaining quality and portion control standards.
• Maintain positive, professional working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, residents, administrators, vendors, and visitors.
• Assist with special events, catering, or other food service needs as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Experience preparing meals for groups in a residential, healthcare, school, or institutional setting.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming dining environment.

Northern Children's Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply

Trauma-Informed Principles

Northern Children’s Services is committed to fostering a therapeutic environment rooted in safety, nonviolence, and resilience. Our policies are guided by trauma-informed principles, ensuring that we create a supportive and healing atmosphere for clients and staff.

A trauma-informed approach recognizes that past experiences, including trauma, can significantly impact a person’s behavior, emotions, and interactions. Therefore, we strive to:

• Use emotional intelligence: Respond with empathy and awareness, even in difficult situations.
• Communicate effectively: Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and avoid judgmental language.
• Understand trauma’s impact: Be aware that clients or colleagues may react based on past experiences, not just the present moment.
• Apply person-first, strengths-based language: Focus on people’s strengths and abilities rather than defining them by their challenges (e.g., saying "a person experiencing homelessness" instead of "a homeless person").

By adhering to these principles, we ensure that our workplace is not only effective but also compassionate and inclusive for everyone.

Americans with Disabilities: As with all positions at Northern Children’s Services, Inc. we recognize the importance of accommodations individuals with disabilities. In that, we are committed to every extent possible accommodating disabled individual. We recognize the American With Disabilities Act of 1991 and understand the need to reasonably accommodate employees. All accommodation will be evaluated on a case- by case basis, evaluating the essential functions of the positions.

DISCRIMINATION IS PROHIBITED IN EMPLOYMENT, PROMOTION, ASSIGNMENT OR DISMISSAL, ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, and HANDICAP, OR RECEIPT OF SERVICES FOR MENTAL DISABILITY.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.