Lead Cook

** The lead cook will assist in managing the production, packaging, and distribution of meals made at the Adult Nutrition Building. This position will work closely with the Kitchen Manager on daily/weekly tasks and be the point person for kitchen staff as it pertains to daily duties. The lead cook will be knowledgeable on all stations and fill in for those stations as needed 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

· Uses effective communication to delegate daily kitchen duties to optimize production of daily meals.

· Uses acquired culinary skills to assist in producing high quality products, ensuring excellent taste, appearance, texture and client acceptability. 

· Oversees portion sizes for MOW and Congregate meals according to nutrition standards, type and quantity. Minimizing waste and leftover items.

·  Maintains a safe clean work area and follows sanitation checklists and policies. 

· Uses and maintains kitchen equipment in a clean, safe and appropriate manner. 

· Ensures food is chilled, labeled, and properly stores any unused product or leftovers. 

· Assists in maintaining inventory / storage in an organized and rotating product properly. 

· Attends all meetings and Agency trainings as required. 

· Predictable, consistent attendance. 

· Performs all other duties as assigned. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

· Helps manage kitchen staff

· Occasional kitchen volunteers

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

· Frequent exposure to heat, cold, steam and fumes.

· Uses knives, utensils, and commercial cooking equipment throughout shift.

· Stand, pivot, walk on hard kitchen floor surface throughout shift.

· Lift, push or pull up to 50 lbs.

· Occasional exposure to chemicals and cleaning solvents.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

· Full Time Monday – Friday 8-hour shift. 530am-2pm

· Designated holidays and special events.

Location 

Michael Kern Central Kitchen, 4915 East 52nd Avenue Commerce City  

Pay Range:  $22.00-$24.00/hour

Competencies

· Models core culture attributes of Volunteers of America-Colorado Branch that include “AIRS” (Accountability, Integrity, Respect, and Service)

· Models and pursues with vigor Volunteers of America-Colorado Branch three critical virtues of HHS. (Hungry, Humble, People Smart)

Minimum Qualifications of Position

· High School Diploma or equivalent.

· Two year related experience in volume food service production environment.

· Ability to read, write, follow standardized recipes, and perform standard mathematical computations.

· Valid Colorado drivers license. 

Preferred Qualifications of Position

· Servsafe certified or obtain within 4 months. 

· Managerial experience

Knowledge and Skills

· Clearly and respectfully communicates with Agency staff, volunteers, vendors, and service technicians.

· Strong time management and organizational skills.