Residential Cook

Kids for the Future; Medford (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Kids for the Future in Medford, OR is seeking a part-time Cook to plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals for youth in a residential treatment setting. The role combines food service with youth engagement through meal planning, budgeting, and kitchen safety, with required DCC trainings.

The Cook will create menus, manage inventories, and ensure compliance with state licensing and health standards. A Monday–Friday schedule with weekends off is typical, with potential for extra hours based on

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required trainings and certifications.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and meal preparation.
• Ability to work with youth in a residential setting.
• Strong organizational skills for menus, inventory, and documentation.
• Flexibility to support program operations.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain menus at least two weeks in advance and retain records for licensing reviews.
• Conduct weekly food inventory and order groceries and supplies as needed.
• Purchase fresh produce and other perishable items through in-person grocery shopping trips one to two times per week.
• Prepare daily meals and pre-make meals for weekends.
• Maintain state-required emergency food supplies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment in accordance with licensing and health requirements.
• Transport youth and perform grocery shopping duties, requiring a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Maintain high ethical standards regarding treatment and client confidentiality.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including driving an Agency vehicle and physical tasks.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards: monitor temperatures, proper storage, labeling, and daily cleaning of kitchen areas.
• Involve youth in meal planning and grocery shopping up to twice weekly.

Skills

Food safety

Meal planning

Inventory management

Youth engagement

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Location General Area,Medford, OR, 97501,United States
• Employee Type Non-Exempt - PT
• Manage Others No

Description

The Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals for youth residing in a residential treatment facility while maintaining compliance with state food service, sanitation, and licensing requirements. This position combines food service responsibilities with direct youth engagement through skill-building activities focused on meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, kitchen safety, and healthy living skills. The Cook position must complete all required training and certifications expected of Direct Care Counselors (DCCs).

Schedule: The Cook position is scheduled for approximately 20 hours per week and offers a consistent Monday–Friday schedule with guaranteed weekends off. Additional hours may be available based on operational needs, including opportunities for swing shift coverage with applicable shift differential pay and opportunities to pick up Relief Direct Care Counselor (DCC) shifts, provided all required training and qualifications for the DCC role have been completed and maintained.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet agency driving requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain all required Direct Care Counselor trainings and certifications.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and meal preparation practices.
• Ability to work effectively with youth in a residential treatment setting.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage inventory, menus, and documentation.
• Must demonstrate willingness and ability to support the overall operations of the residential program, recognizing that all staff share responsibility for creating a safe, therapeutic, and supportive environment for youth.
• Ability to work a consistent schedule while maintaining flexibility to meet the operational needs of the program.
• Valid Oregon Food Handler Card required or must successfully obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to pass a background check conducted through ODHS.

Summary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Create and maintain menus at least two weeks in advance and retain records for licensing reviews.

· Conduct weekly food inventory and order groceries and supplies as needed.

· Purchase fresh produce and other perishable items through in-person grocery shopping trips one to two times per week.

· Prepare daily meals and pre-make meals for weekends.

· Maintain state-required emergency food supplies.

· Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment in accordance with licensing and health requirements.

· Transport youth and perform grocery shopping duties, requiring a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

· Maintain high ethical standards regarding treatment and client confidentiality.

· Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, which may include driving a Agency vehicle, standing, walking, climbing and descending stairs, lifting, bending, reaching, and other physical activities required to safely perform job duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Ensure compliance with food safety standards, including:

Ø Monitoring and documenting refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

Ø Proper food storage and labeling.

Ø Daily cleaning and organization of refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen areas.

• Teaching meal planning, budgeting, grocery shopping, and food preparation skills.
• Involving youth in menu creation and grocery shopping activities up to twice weekly.
• Assisting with handwashing, meal service, cleanup, and kitchen sanitation practices.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

· As needed, this position may have to assist Direct Care Counselors with de-escalation and Crisis Prevention Intervention.