Cook

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible for the food preparation, storage, and supply for the Celebrating Families Program. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversight and supervision of operations including food preparation, cleanliness, and adherence to health codes and regulatory guidelines.
• Responsible for menu planning and food ordering.
• Ensure all meals are prepared in accordance with approved menus, meeting mealtime schedules and record client/staff meals census.
• Maintain high health standards, cleanliness, and sanitation, always including the earing of hairnets and/or caps within food preparation and serving area.
• Familiarization with California State Health Codes relating to the operations of a commercial kitchen and will always comply.
• Prepare requisitions for food and commodities as needed and receive and properly store all deliveries.
• Ensure that equipment is in good operating condition and that temperatures are within proper standards, be constantly aware of fire and safety hazards and report repair/maintenance needs to supervisor.
• Label, date, and store all left over food in accordance with sanitary food handling requirements.
• Always maintain professional standards with food preparation and handling, as well as maintaining a high level of good housekeeping.
• Taste test food prior to service and reserve samples of each meal for 24 hours to determine possible food contamination.
• Follow procedures for dispensing and retrieving all utensils during and after meal periods.
• Maintain current inventory on all commodities and stored goods.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in word processing programs, preferably MS Word, and spreadsheet programs, preferably MS Excel. Internet skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• High level of initiative.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Bilingual (fluent in English and Spanish) preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal history background check. 
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience in quality food preparation for large groups and/or institutional cooking and food service is required.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Food Handler Card is required within six (6) months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential/Outpatient treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the program.