Prep Cook

CAN; Catonsville (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Advancement opportunities

Training & development

Wellness resources

Job summary

CAN is seeking a Prep Cook to join our kitchen team. You will prepare ingredients for our menu items, helping ensure each dish meets high standards of quality. You will support efficient kitchen operations and contribute to the culture of our shelter program.

The role emphasizes teamwork, following SOPs, and maintaining food safety and sanitation throughout daily tasks. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment while supporting residents and staff.

Qualifications

• ServSafe certification required.
• Previous prep cook experience preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.
• Good physical stamina and endurance.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised in a busy environment.

Responsibilities

• Wash, peel, chop, slice, and grate fruits and vegetables.
• Measure and assemble ingredients for menu items.
• Prepare simple dishes such as salads, entrees, and sauces.
• Ensure all food and items are stored properly.
• Comply with nutrition and sanitation guidelines.
• Perform preliminary cooking duties, such as reducing sauces.
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes and sanitizing surfaces.
• Assist with stock and inventory management.
• Collaborate with kitchen team and communicate effectively.
• Develop understanding of all kitchen stations and execute at a high level.
• Maintain clean and safe environment and document temperatures daily.

Skills

Passion for great food

Ability to work under pressure

Team leadership/motivation

Attention to detail

Professional demeanor

Integrity and ethics

Confidentiality

Excellent communication

Adaptability

Education

ServSafe Certification

Tools

Kitchen equipment familiarity

Job description

Benefits:

• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development
• Wellness resources

Summary/Objective

The Prep Cook will be an integral part of the kitchen team, responsible for preparing ingredients that will be used in cooking our menu items. This role is crucial in ensuring that every dish served meets our high standards of quality, contributing significantly to the efficient operation of our kitchen and the satisfaction of our shelter residents. As a key member of the team, the Prep Cook will play a vital role in the development of our culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Wash, peel, chop, slice, and grate fruits and vegetables
• Measure and assemble ingredients for menu items
• Prepare simple dishes such as salads, entrees, and sauces
• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly
• Comply with nutrition and sanitation guidelines
• Perform preliminary cooking duties, such as reducing sauces and parboiling food
• Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes and sanitizing surfaces as needed
• Assist with stock and inventory management
• Collaborate, communicate effectively and work closely with the kitchen team
• Develop an understanding of every aspect of all the stations in the kitchen and be able to execute at a high level
• Maintain a clean and safe environment at the back of house (BOH) and ensure all SOPs and food safety practices are followed and required information is documented daily, i.e. temperatures.

Specific Job Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Passion for great food
• An extremely high standard when it comes to following procedures and holding all others and yourself accountable
• Ability to work under pressure and deal with stressful situations during busy periods
• Ability to consistently maintain a positive attitude and be able to motivate, lead and inspire a team around you
• Have a strong passion for high quality standards. Be able to consistently produce amazing food for our guests
• Ability to take direction and feedback extremely well, learn from mistakes, and can react and respond quickly to issues
• Exude core values of the business in every way
• Demonstrate integrity and ethical standards in job performance
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Ability to connect with residents and maintain respect and professional boundaries in all interactions
• A general understanding of homelessness and trauma, as well as mental health/substance abuse/behavioral issues
• Desire to grow and develop in this role

Required Experience:

• ServSafe certification
• Proven experience as a prep cook or in a similar role preferred but not required
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment and utensils
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
• Good physical stamina
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work unsupervised in a busy environment
• Professional demeanor with a customer-focused orientation

Working Environment/Physical Abilities:

• Work is performed both in the office and in the field
• Utilize general and specialized office and kitchen equipment
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Able to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time
• Able to bend at the knees and waist
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs.

AAP/EEO Statement

Community Assistance Network of Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.