Residential Prep Cook

Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Residential

Compensation Grade: $16.90 – $22.77/hour

Direct Supervisor: Kitchen Manager

Schedule: Monday, Thursday, Friday 11am - 7:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 5am - 1:30pm

Job Summary

The Prep Cook supports daily food preparation and kitchen operations within ARS residential treatment facilities. This position is responsible for preparing ingredients, assisting with meal production, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring food is handled and stored in accordance with applicable food safety standards.

The Prep Cook works collaboratively with kitchen staff to support timely meal service, accommodate established patient dietary requirements, maintain inventory, and contribute to a safe, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment.

Essential Functions

• Prepare ingredients according to established menus, recipes, preparation lists, and instructions from the Kitchen Manager or Head Chef.
• Wash, peel, chop, portion, and organize fruits, vegetables, meats, and other ingredients.
• Measure and prepare seasonings, sauces, and other cooking ingredients.
• Perform preliminary cooking tasks, including parboiling, preparing sauces, and assembling meal components.
• Assist with meal preparation and service while following established portion sizes and dietary requirements.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate food products to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Monitor ingredient inventory and communicate supply needs to kitchen management.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, storing, and distributing food and kitchen supplies for residential programs.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of food preparation areas, equipment, utensils, and storage spaces.
• Wash dishes, sanitize cookware, remove trash, and complete assigned kitchen cleaning duties.
• Follow applicable food safety, sanitation, nutrition, and infection prevention standards.
• Safely operate kitchen equipment, knives, and food preparation tools.
• Complete required food service records, inventory documentation, and reports in accordance with organizational and contractual requirements.
• Collaborate with kitchen personnel and management to ensure efficient meal preparation and timely service.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of safe food handling, preparation, storage, and sanitation practices.
• Current California Food Handler Card or other applicable food safety certification.
• Familiarity with standard cooking techniques, kitchen equipment, and food preparation procedures.
• Ability to safely and efficiently use knives, cutting tools, and food preparation equipment.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to measure ingredients and follow recipes.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and maintain established food preparation standards.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to recognize food quality, freshness, and appropriate preparation standards.
• Knowledge of the Social Model Recovery process preferred.
• Valid California identification card.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.

Physical Job Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 51 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout assigned shifts.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements during food preparation and cleaning.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination necessary to safely operate knives, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to transport food supplies, ingredients, and kitchen equipment as needed.
• Ability to tolerate exposure to kitchen heat, steam, and varying temperatures.
• Ability to perform repetitive food preparation tasks while maintaining accuracy and safety.

Working Environment

• Work is performed primarily in commercial or institutional kitchens within residential substance use disorder treatment facilities.
• Regular exposure to hot surfaces, ovens, cooking equipment, sharp utensils, and cleaning products.
• May involve working in refrigerated storage areas and environments with fluctuating temperatures.
• Duties require frequent standing, movement, food handling, cleaning, and interaction with kitchen personnel.
• Work may involve time-sensitive meal preparation and service requirements.
• Requires adherence to food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and infection prevention protocols.
• Regular collaboration with kitchen management, residential staff, and other personnel to support patient meal services.