Assistant Cook

We are working with client in Manhattan who is looking for an Assistant Cook on a temporary basis- 

Position Summary: The Assistant Cook prepares food as per a pre-existing menu based on the nutritional guidelines. The Assistant Cook is responsible for assisting in the maintenance, sanitation, and cleanliness of the kitchen and related facilities and equipment.

Schedule – 6am – 2pm, Monday – Friday

Primary Duties:

· Assists with food preparation according to a pre-planned menu and food service.

· Assists the Head Chef with daily supervision of other kitchen staff members and implementation of tasks and production assignments

· In the absence of the Head Chef, assumes full responsibility for cooking, serving pre-planned meals, record keeping, and supervising the task supervision of kitchen staff, interns, and volunteers.

· Assists in the inventory and proper maintenance of food storage areas, ensuring all food items in the storage room are properly dated

· Assists with deliveries as they arrive, storing them promptly and ensuring proper rotation of food and disposables, following FIFO practices.

· Assists in the maintenance, cleanliness, and sanitization of all refrigeration/freezer units (both free-standing and walk-ins), steam tables, shelves/racks, work surfaces, all cooking equipment (including and especially the range and ovens), dishes, utensils, appliances, tables, and storage areas.

· Reports appliance/equipment failure to the Head Chef promptly and in the absence of the Head Chef and Food Service Manager, can schedule repairs.

· Prepare, cook, and supervise the portioning and serving of food.

· Participate in menu planning and developing food purchase orders, and submit orders on time.

· Maintain Daily Food used records and conduct monthly physical food and disposables inventory.

· Coordinate activities of staff engaged in food preparation, meal service, packaging, and clean-up.

· Responsible for safe handling and ensuring proper temperature control of prepared foods, food storage areas, refrigerators, and freezers.

· Responsible for the proper functioning, cleaning of kitchen equipment, dining areas, and adherence to sanitation standards.

· Assist in the support of volunteers and interns in the kitchen. 

Qualifications:

· Possession of Food Protection Certificate as issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

· Minimum of two years of experience cooking for large groups of 2000+ people

· Experience preparing and cooking hot, frozen, and chilled meals

· CPR certified and AED/First Aid Certified or be willing to attend both trainings.

· Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

· Ability to stoop, bend, lift and carry 50+ lbs.

· Ability to stand for extended periods of time

· Ability to multi-task and work independently with minimal supervision.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

· Experience or interest in serving older adults in a community center setting.

· Bilingual, English/Spanish is a plus

· Ability to work some flexible hours, including evenings and weekends if needed

· Must be able to work on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

BENEFITS

We offer eligible employees competitive pay and access to a range of benefits and support programs, including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, short-term disability, 401(k), employee assistance, childcare assistance, discounts, paid holidays, and longevity bonuses. Benefits are based on assignment type, schedule, length of employment, and plan eligibility requirements.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.

#Melv