Meal Service Cook

BETHANY HOUSE SERVICES INC; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Full time

Job summary

Bethany House Services is seeking a Morning Brigade: Meal Service Cook to support breakfast and lunch operations in a high-volume shelter kitchen. You will arrive early to set up, cook breakfast items, and keep the line hot, fresh, and on schedule.

You will assist the Kitchen Manager with lunch prep for 250+ guests, manage vegetables, proteins, and salads, and help coordinate a smooth handoff to the afternoon team. Food safety and teamwork are essential, with reliable attendance a must.

Qualifications

• 1 year of related kitchen experience (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to work quickly and stay organized under pressure.
• Team player with clear and consistent communication.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Arrive at 6:30am to start prep and setup for breakfast.
• Cook hot breakfast items and maintain safe, consistent service from 7:00am–8:30am.
• Assist Kitchen Manager with lunch prep for 250+ guests; prep vegetables, proteins, starches.
• Open the kitchen and complete daily safety checks; monitor equipment and document temperatures.
• Maintain clean, organized stations; follow HACCP and FIFO procedures; support handoffs to afternoon staff.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food safety knowledge

Team player

Clear communication

Reliability

Job description

Join Our Morning Brigade: Meal Service Cook (Breakfast & Lunch Prep)Are you the kind of kitchen hero who can turn a busy morning into a warm, reliable meal line—fast, safe, and delicious? If you love cooking for the long haul (and keeping the kitchen running like a well-oiled machine), we want you on our team!At Bethany House Services, our Meal Service Cook helps power meal service for families in our Emergency Shelter Program—serving breakfast daily and supporting high-volume lunch production for 250+ guests. If you thrive under pressure, take food safety seriously, and enjoy feeding people with care, this could be your role.What You’ll DoBreakfast Service OperationsArrive at 6:30am to kick off prep and setupCook hot breakfast favorites: eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, oatmealSet up the line with proper heating equipment and utensilsKeep food hot, fresh, and consistent during service (7:00am–8:30am)Restock during service and clean/break down afterwardLunch Preparation SupportAssist the Kitchen Manager with lunch prep for 250+ guestsPrep vegetables, proteins, starches (according to recipes & portion guidelines)Support batch cooking and high-volume productionHelp prep cold items: salads and sandwich componentsHelp set up lunch service equipment and coordinate timing for a smooth handoffKitchen Maintenance & Food SafetyOpen the kitchen and complete daily safety checksStart and monitor equipment (ovens, grills, steamers, prep tools)Ensure proper storage temperatures overnight + document readingsMaintain clean, organized stations and wash dishes/equipment as neededFollow HACCP and food safety protocols—labeling, rotation (FIFO), temperature logs, and hygieneInventory & Team CommunicationCheck inventory at the start of your shift; report low stockRotate supplies using FIFO and track usage/waste of high-cost itemsCommunicate prep status and issues clearlyProvide shift handoff info to afternoon staffSupport dietary needs and coordinate with serving staffAssist with training morning procedures for new kitchen team membersWho You AreYou have 1 year of related kitchen experience (or equivalent experience/knowledge)You understand (or are excited to learn) food safety and sanitation standardsYou work quickly, stay organized, and keep your cool when it gets busyYou’re a team player who communicates clearly and consistentlyYou show up reliably—because meals don’t prep themselves!Requirements You’ll NeedValid driver’s license and ability to meet vehicle insurance requirementsSuccessful completion of criminal background check and drug testingAbility to handle physical demands of a kitchen environment (standing, lifting up to 40 lbs occasionally, repetitive movements, working near heat and cleaning agents)Ready to Step Into the Spotlight (and the skillet)?If you’re ready to start early, cook big, and keep meal service moving smoothly—apply today and help turn mornings into something people can count on.Bethany House Services is looking for a cook who brings skill, safety, and heart to the line.