Prep-Cook

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California began in December 1944, when a group of Lutheran congregations in San Diego convened to discuss how to better assist families in need. They began discussing how to form a Welfare Commission. Their vision expanded when they joined with another group of Lutheran congregations in Los Angeles, which was having the same conversation. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California was officially incorporated in 1946 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service agency. The mission has remained true to its earliest beginnings: to serve those in need. Today, LSSSC serves thousands of individuals and families throughout Southern California with over 45 programs/services at 18 locations. We are part of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network and strive to serve those in need with dignity and respect.

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s Mission: Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping, and empowering vulnerable individuals, families, and communities toward self-sufficiency.

Job Summary: The Prep Cook supports daily kitchen operations by performing food preparation, sanitation, and basic cooking tasks under the direction of the Kitchen Associate. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that meals are prepared efficiently, safely, and in compliance with food safety standards. The Prep Cook assists with ingredient preparation, workstation setup, inventory support, and kitchen cleanliness to help provide nutritious, high-quality meals to tenants in a respectful and timely manner.

1. Work Schedule

A. Shift Hours: Flexible shifts to cover meal preparation and service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

B. Days: Includes weekends and holidays to ensure consistent meal service for tenants.

2. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned. 

A. Food Preparation Support

• Wash, peel, chop, slice, dice, and portion fruits, vegetables, meats, and other ingredients according to standardized recipes and instructions provided by the Kitchen Associate (Cook).
• Assist with the preparation of simple food items such as salads, sandwiches, and cold or pre-assembled menu items.
• Measure and portion ingredients accurately to support consistent meal quality and service.
• Follow established recipes, production schedules, and portion control guidelines.

B. Kitchen Setup and Workflow

• Set up prep stations with required tools, equipment, and ingredients before meal service.
• Maintain an organized, efficient, and clean work area throughout the shift.
• Support the Kitchen Associate (Cook) during peak meal preparation and service times.

C. Food Safety and Sanitation

• Adhere strictly to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards, including proper handwashing, glove use, and cross-contamination prevention.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, utensils, and equipment during and after use.
• Monitor food temperatures and storage conditions as directed.
• Comply with all LSSSC standards, County Health Department regulations, and the California Retail Food Code.

D. Inventory and Storage Support

• Assist with receiving, labeling, rotating, and storing food supplies using FIFO (First In, First Out) practices.
• Notify the Kitchen Associate (Cook) of low stock levels, expired items, or quality concerns.
• Help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the pantry, refrigerator, freezer,  and dry storage areas.

E. Cleanup and Maintenance

• Perform routine cleaning of kitchen equipment, floors, and work surfaces.
• Assist with end-of-shift breakdown of prep stations and proper waste disposal.
• Report equipment malfunctions or safety hazards to the Kitchen Associate (Cook) or Site Supervisor.

F. Team Collaboration and Support

• Work cooperatively with the Kitchen Associate (Cook), food service staff, and other program staff.
• Follow instructions and feedback to improve efficiency, safety, and food quality.
• Assist with special events, large meal preparation, or additional food service needs as assigned.

3. Reporting Structure

A. Reports to: Kitchen Associate (Cook)

B. Works closely with: Kitchen Associate (Cook), Food Service Staff, Site Supervisor

C. Does not supervise other staff

4. Compliance Requirements

A. Food Safety Standards

1. Adhere to local, state, and federal food safety regulations, including: 

· California Retail Food Code.

· Health Department Guidelines.

B. Accessibility Standards

1. Ensure meals are prepared and served in a manner that accommodates tenant dietary needs, including allergies and medical conditions.

C. Reporting Requirements

1. Document food service activities and submit reports to the Site Supervisor or Program Manager as required.

5. Qualifications and Experience:

1. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Basic knowledge of food preparation techniques and kitchen safety.

· Ability to follow instructions, recipes, and food safety procedures accurately.

· Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

· Strong attention to cleanliness, organization, and detail.

· Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

6. Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous food preparation or kitchen experience preferred, but entry-level candidates with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

7. Certificates and Licenses:

Certifications: San Bernardino County Food Handler Card (required; must be obtained within the required timeframe).

8. Supervisory Responsibilities: None

9. Language Ability: Must be able to read, write and speak fluent English. Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

10. Communication: Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with clients and staff. 

11. Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide into all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 

12. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. 

13. Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should know Word Processing software and Spreadsheet software.

14. Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

15. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires specific visual abilities, including high acuity in close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. 

Pay Range: $18.00-$22.00 

Shift: 5am-2pm or 12pm-9pm