Special Learning Center's Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, appealing meals and snacks for students in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. This position supports Special Learning Center's food service program by following approved menus, maintaining kitchen sanitation standards, complying with food safety requirements, and helping create a positive mealtime experience for children. Why Work at Special Learning Center? At Special Learning Center, every role contributes to our mission of serving children of all abilities in a caring, inclusive, and supportive environment. This position offers the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven organization where dependable service, teamwork, and compassion make a meaningful difference each day. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, snacks, and/or other meals according to established menus, recipes, portion sizes, and nutritional guidelines.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and cleaning procedures, including proper food storage, temperature monitoring, handwashing, and prevention of cross-contamination.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen, serving area, equipment, utensils, and storage spaces.
• Serve meals to students and staff in a friendly, professional, and child-centered manner.
• Monitor food inventory and notify the supervisor when supplies need to be ordered or restocked.
• Receive, inspect, label, and properly store food and kitchen supplies.
• Accommodate approved dietary restrictions, allergies, texture modifications, and special meal instructions as directed.
• Complete required food service documentation, including meal counts, temperature logs, cleaning checklists, and inventory records.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and report equipment concerns, maintenance needs, or safety hazards promptly.
• Work cooperatively with Special Learning Center staff, administrators, and families as appropriate to support student health, safety, and nutrition.
• Comply with all Special Learning Center policies, education and health department requirements, and applicable state and federal food service regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous food service, school kitchen, childcare, healthcare, or institutional cooking experience preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, sanitation, and safe food handling practices.
• Ability to follow written menus, recipes, labels, and instructions accurately.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and maintain attention to detail in a busy environment.
• Friendly, dependable, team-oriented attitude and ability to interact respectfully with children, staff, and visitors.
• Food handler permit, ServSafe certification, or willingness to obtain required food safety certification, if applicable.
• Successful completion of required background checks and other employment requirements. Physical Requirements and Work Environment
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull food items, supplies, and kitchen equipment, typically up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, steam, cleaning products, and standard kitchen equipment.
• Must follow all safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.
• Must be able to pass a background check.

Schedule and Employment Status This position is scheduled during Special Learning Center's operating hours and is a full-time non-exempt position. Typical work hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00am until 3:30pm with a 30-minute lunch break. Occasional adjustments to the schedule may be required for training, special events, or Special Learning Center calendar changes. Equal Employment Opportunity Special Leaning Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Interested applicants should complete and submit an employment application through Indeed and available at www.speciallearningcenter.com under People > Careers.

Pay:

$17.82 - $26.73 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Disability insurance Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person