Cook, RTC

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

 

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

 

Your Mission in Action

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals according to the planned schedule while ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. This role maintains a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment in compliance with agency policies, licensing standards, and all federal, state, county, and local regulations. The Cook also follows proper food handling procedures to support a safe and efficient food service operation. 

Responsibilities

• Prep, prepare, and serve meals according to proper preparation methods, ensuring compliance with National School Lunch Program (NSLP) guidelines; calibrate thermometers before meal preparation and use proper tools and techniques to maintain food safety and quality in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations 
• Monitor all cooking, storage, and working areas to ensure safety and proper sanitation while maintaining fresh food products and disposing of refuse appropriately; receive, store, and stock food items and supplies upon delivery;  clean, sanitize, and properly store all kitchen equipment, dishes, and utensils daily, ensuring compliance with department standards and safety guidelines 
• Maintain kitchen equipment in good working condition and follow prescribed cleaning procedures after each shift 
• Assist the Kitchen Manager with maintaining an appropriate food supply by tracking inventory, meal planning, and creating shopping lists, and help with purchasing food and supplies as needed 
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, other departments, volunteers, and vendors to ensure the food service program meets residents' needs and maintains high-quality standards; provide respectful and friendly service when serving meals to youth, fostering a positive dining experience 
• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner, as well as report any issues related to youth, safety, or sanitation concerns to the Kitchen Manager promptly 
• Maintain all mandatory training and required licenses for food preparation in compliance with NSLP guidelines and all federal, state, and local regulations 
• Other duties and projects as assigned 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

•  Must be 21 years of age or older per licensing requirements 
• Current Food Manager’s permit/certification OR Food Handler’s permit/certification if a current kitchen staff member holds a Food Manager permit/certification OR ability to obtain within two weeks of date of hire  
• Prior food services or kitchen experience  
• Working knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures required by city, state, and county health department regulations  
• Strong written and communication skills  
• Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to work diverse groups of people  
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook  

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) months in food service or kitchen experience  

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 30%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more  
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time 
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children 
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time in units/cottages which are areas where children reside 
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 125 lbs.