Lead Cook

WXHC News; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,686 - 43,704; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and retirement options

Generous paid time off

Job summary

A private not-for-profit residential treatment center in New York seeks a Lead Cook to manage kitchen operations and prepare nutritious meals. Responsibilities include supervising residents in a vocational program, ensuring food safety compliance, and collaborating on menu changes according to dietary guidelines. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Culinary Arts and professional cooking experience. This full-time position offers a starting wage of $27.00 per hour and the opportunity to work in a supportive environment focused on growth and development.

Qualifications

• Degree and/or certificate in Culinary Arts, Food Service, or related field.
• Strong organizational skills to manage kitchen functions.
• Valid NYS Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and presentation of high-quality meals.
• Supervise residents in the vocational program.
• Ensure compliance with food safety practices.

Skills

Culinary techniques

Organizational skills

Food safety practices

Cultural competency

Education

Degree in Culinary Arts

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Regular Full‑Time
Child Support
Freeville, NY, US

Salary Range:
$27.00 To $27.00 Hourly
Lead Cook B‑Shift

Minimum Qualifications

• Degree and/or certificate in Culinary Arts, Food Service, or related field
• Professional Cooking Experience, with demonstrated proficiency in multiple cooking techniques and kitchen operations
• Strong organizational skills and ability to independently manage kitchen functions during assigned shifts
• High School Diploma or equivalent (copy required upon initial hire date)
• Yearly Physical (required within one month of initial hire date)
• Valid NYS Driver's License (copy required upon initial hire date)
• Ability to work with a diverse population presenting a variety of cultural, socioeconomic, developmental and sexual identities. Must have the ability and willingness to establish and foster healthy and supportive relationships that acknowledge individual identities and encourage personal growth.

Preferred Qualifications

• ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety credential

Requirements

• Must successfully complete all required background checks:
  • NYS Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR)
  • Multi‑State Sex Offender Registry (SOR)
  • NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) fingerprinting
  • NYS Justice Center Staff Exclusion List (SEL)
  • NYS OMIG Medicaid Exclusion List
  • Out‑of‑state child abuse register inquiry of any state in which the person resided within the last five years (if applicable)
  • NYS License Event Notification Service (LENS)
  • Office of Inspector General (OIG)
• Must successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)

Hours

40 hours per week, shift determined by Director of Food Services

Starting Wage

$27.00

Objectives of Position

To lead by example in the preparation and presentation of high‑quality, nutritious meals that meet agency standards and dietary guidelines. The Lead Cook serves as a culinary resource to the kitchen team, supporting smooth operations, consistency, and adherence to food safety practices.
Ensures compliance with the National School Lunch program, where applicable.
Supervise the work of residents participating in the vocational program.

Physical Requirements

• Be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Required to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Be able to walk down and climb stairs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with agency menus, recipes, and portioning guidelines
• Execute advanced cooking techniques (e.g., braising, roasting, reduction sauces) to enhance flavor and presentation
• Read, interpret, and adjust recipes as needed to maintain consistency and accommodate substitutions while adhering to National School Lunch guidelines
• Track reimbursable meals served, on all school days, in accordance with the National School Lunch program
• Collaborate with department leadership in creating/changing menus and recipes in accordance with the National School Lunch program
• Monitor food quality and ensure adherence to agency standards for taste, temperature, and appearance
• Assist in coordinating meal production timing and flow to ensure on‑time service
• Support the training and guidance of resident workers through role modeling and demonstrating proper kitchen techniques and hygiene
• Pull, thaw, and organize ingredients and supplies in preparation for upcoming meals
• Follow and promote best practices for food storage, labeling and sanitation
• Accurately complete assigned checklists (opening/closing duties, cleaning schedules, etc.)
• Identify and report kitchen maintenance issues or supply needs to the Ewald Administration
• Assist with the preparation, setup, and execution of catered events and special functions held on campus
• Wear proper uniform, hair restraint, and practice sanitation standards as required by Federal, State, and County health regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Ewald Administration.
• Responsible for adhering to and performing all duties in accordance with every safety standard, practice, and policy of The William George Agency. This includes, but is not limited to, review of The William George Agency’s Safety Policy and attending all required safety‑related training.
• Adhere to all rules, regulations, policies, and philosophy of The William George Agency and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

Department

Food Services

Supervised By

Director of Food Services

About The William George Agency for Children’s Services

The William George Agency for Children’s Services is located on a 650‑acre campus nine miles northeast of Ithaca, in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State. It is a private not‑for‑profit residential treatment center licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) that serves both male and female youth between the ages of 12 and 21, and their families, who present with significant mental health issues, behavioral difficulties, and substance abuse issues. Our programs offer an array of treatment modalities specifically designed to meet the needs of our youth.

The William George Agency for Children’s Services is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

The intent of this job description is to provide, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibilities of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific job duties and responsibilities for any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Working at The William George Agency for Children’s Services comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also offer generous paid time off in an effort to support your work‑life balance.