Cooks Assistant

Job Summary

The Cook’s Assistant supports the daily food preparation and kitchen operations for the Meals on Wheels program. This role assists with preparing, cooking, packaging, and maintaining quality standards for meals while ensuring compliance with food safety and health department regulations. The Cook’s Assistant also supports kitchen inventory management, documentation, and meal delivery when operational needs require.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Assist with the preparation and cooking of meals in accordance with established recipes, production schedules, and quality standards.

· Prepare cold count sheets and maintain accurate production and preparation documentation.

· Inspect food preparation and serving areas to ensure cleanliness and compliance with food safety standards.

· Operate kitchen equipment and production machinery safely and report maintenance or repair needs promptly.

· Ensure proper packaging, labeling, and handling of finished food products prior to distribution.

· Maintain accurate records of food temperatures, production logs, and sanitation checks in accordance with health department regulations.

· Maintain kitchen inventory and supplies using First-In, First-Out (FIFO) food rotation practices.

· Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies from vendors as directed by the Kitchen Supervisor.

· Utilize the SERVtracker system for meal tracking and reporting as required.

· Provide guidance to job workers and volunteers regarding assigned kitchen duties and food preparation tasks.

· Assist with outreach or program initiatives that support participation and program growth.

· Deliver meals as needed using a box truck or personal vehicle to ensure timely service delivery.

Standard Job Functions

· Maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the organization’s operations, including health-related, financial, employment, and business information.

· Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in completing job duties.

· Work effectively under stressful or potentially unpleasant environmental conditions while maintaining respect for diverse individuals and lifestyles.

· Professionally present information and respond to questions from clients, volunteers, staff, and the public.

· Provide excellent customer service by being courteous, responsive, and respectful to internal and external stakeholders.

· Follow all safety rules and exercise sound judgment to prevent injury to self or others.

· Adhere to the established chain of command and complete all required reporting, including incidents, accidents, and safety concerns.

· Attend all required meetings and trainings.

· Perform other duties as assigned in support of the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives.

· High School Diploma or equivalent required.

· Valid driver’s license required.

· Knowledge of health department regulations and food safety practices preferred.

· Two (2) years of institutional or commercial cooking experience preferred.

· ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification preferred or ability to obtain certification.

· Experience using kitchen production systems or meal tracking software (such as SERVtracker) preferred.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.