Cook

Part-Time Cook Job Description:

Established in 1948, the Mission of ASCEND Mental Wellness is to encourage and assist individuals in discovering pathways to their optimal mental health and wellness, while supporting hope and awareness of well-being in our community.

Our Support Services department is seeking a Part-Time Cook to join our East Side Center Day Program team. In this role, you will help to prepare and serve nutritious meals in a welcoming, client-centered environment. This role works in collaboration with our Wellness Garden. The ideal candidate will help create a positive dining experience that supports the health and wellness of program participants.

Schedule: 18 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. No Wednesdays. Daily shifts will be either 9:00 AM–2:00 PM or 10:00 AM–2:00 PM depending on program needs.

Part-Time Cook Qualifications & Education

• High School diploma or equivalent


• Two years' experience in food service with strong knowledge in large-scale food prep


• Serve safe certified preferred or certification must be completed within 6 months from start date or at discretion of the supervisor with a written plan.


• Experience working in human services and/or strong interest in the field of mental health


• Valid NYS driver's license acceptable to Agency insurance standards. Must maintain a valid license license.

Part-Time Cook Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure proper preparation of all foods, proper storage of prepared foods, and proper sanitation of equipment in work area.


• Ensure the kitchen cleaning checklist is completed.


• Assure the highest degree of member satisfaction, providing quality and efficient services and maintaining an atmosphere of professional service in a client-centered setting.


• Ordering and shopping for meal supplies.


• Preparation, cooking, and service of a variety of foods.


• Meal planning in collaboration with the Wellness Garden.


• Monthly and holiday party menu planning.


• Related work as required.


• Maintain a safe environment for all clients and staff.


• Maintain effective communication with other staff members and supervisor.


• Preserve human dignity and confidentiality of all clients and act in the best interest of those served through the Agency's programs and services.


• Assure quality of work at all times.


• Adhere to all laws and regulations applicable to the Agency's business.


• Adhere to the Agency's Corporate Compliance Program and established policies and procedures.


• Positively represent the Agency within the community at all times.


• Have adequate computer skills, or more refined for specific job titles.


• Actively participate in scheduled team meetings as scheduled by supervisor or as indicated by the program's services.


• Actively participate in Agency sponsored staff development and in-service educational programs as deemed necessary by supervisor, including mandatory trainings assigned per job title.

ASCEND Mental Wellness provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.