Meal Service Cook

Bethany House Services; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Bethany House Services is seeking a Meal Service Cook to power breakfast and lunch service for families in our Emergency Shelter Program. The role starts with 6:30am prep and includes cooking breakfast favorites, setting up the line, and supporting high-volume lunch production for 250+ guests.

You will work as part of a collaborative kitchen team, maintain clean, safe stations, and follow HACCP guidelines to ensure food safety and quality.

Qualifications

• 1 year of related kitchen experience.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Able to work quickly, stay organized, and remain calm in busy periods.
• Team player with clear, consistent communication.
• Reliable and punctual.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve breakfast for 250+ guests, arriving at 6:30am for prep and setup.
• Assist with lunch prep for 250+ guests and support high-volume production.
• Maintain kitchen safety and HACCP protocols; monitor temperatures and hygiene.
• Rotate stock using FIFO and document readings; report low inventory.
• Provide shift handoff information and train morning procedures for new staff.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Team player

Fast-paced environment

Reliable

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Reading Road - Cincinnati, OH 45237Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High School Diploma/GEDSalary Range: $18.00 - $20.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NoneJob Shift: DayJob Category: Nonprofit - Social ServicesJoin 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 Do

• Breakfast Service Operations
  • Arrive at 6:30am to kick off prep and setup
  • Cook hot breakfast favorites: eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, oatmeal
  • Set up the line with proper heating equipment and utensils
  • Keep food hot, fresh, and consistent during service (7:00am–8:30am)
  • Restock during service and clean/break down afterward
• Lunch Preparation Support
  • Assist the Kitchen Manager with lunch prep for 250+ guests
  • Prep vegetables, proteins, starches (according to recipes & portion guidelines)
  • Support batch cooking and high-volume production
  • Help prep cold items: salads and sandwich components
  • Help set up lunch service equipment and coordinate timing for a smooth handoff
• Kitchen Maintenance & Food Safety
  • Open the kitchen and complete daily safety checks
  • Start and monitor equipment (ovens, grills, steamers, prep tools)
  • Ensure proper storage temperatures overnight + document readings
  • Maintain clean, organized stations and wash dishes/equipment as needed
  • Follow HACCP and food safety protocols—labeling, rotation (FIFO), temperature logs, and hygiene
• Inventory & Team Communication
  • Check inventory at the start of your shift; report low stock
  • Rotate supplies using FIFO and track usage/waste of high-cost items
  • Communicate prep status and issues clearly
  • Provide shift handoff info to afternoon staff
  • Support dietary needs and coordinate with serving staff
  • Assist with training morning procedures for new kitchen team members

Who You Are

• You have 1 year of related kitchen experience (or equivalent experience/knowledge)
• You understand (or are excited to learn) food safety and sanitation standards
• You work quickly, stay organized, and keep your cool when it gets busy
• You’re a team player who communicates clearly and consistently
• You show up reliably—because meals don’t prep themselves!

Requirements You’ll Need

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet vehicle insurance requirements
• Successful completion of criminal background check and drug testing
• Ability to handle physical demands of a kitchen environment (standing, lifting up to 40 lbs occasionally, repetitive movements, working near heat and cleaning agents)

Bethany House Services is looking for a cook who brings skill, safety, and heart to the line.