A Cook prepares food in a restaurant or institutional kitchen. May be responsible for a specific station or type of food preparation in a larger kitchen, or specialize as a short-order or fast-food cook. May prepare meals in private homes, or cater parties.
OCC is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Cook to join our team! This position plays a vital role in preparing nutritious meals for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and children through our Meals for Independence and Childcare programs. The Lead Cook assists the Food Services Director with daily kitchen operations, menu planning, inventory management, and supervising kitchen staff and volunteers while ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys making a meaningful impact in the community, thrives in a collaborative kitchen environment, and takes pride in serving healthy, high-quality meals.
Benefits include:
Monday-Friday daytime schedule (no evenings or weekends) Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time Health insurance (ICHRA) 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Paid training Supportive, mission-driven workplace
Key Responsibilities:
Plan and prepare high-quality, nutritious meals in accordance with the nutritional needs of the elderly, disabled adults and children. Assist in developing weekly and monthly menus that meet dietary guidelines and adhere to program standards. Ensure all meals are prepared and served on time for both congregate dining and home-delivered meals. Oversee kitchen operations, including food prep, cooking, and cleaning. Supervise and train kitchen staff and volunteers, ensuring a positive and efficient team environment. Manage food inventory, assisting with ordering supplies, receiving deliveries, and monitoring stock levels. Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen facilities, equipment, and storage areas. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food sanitation standards, including food safety certifications. Work closely with the Food Services Director, and other Leadership and program staff to ensure meal production meets the needs of the clients. Address special dietary needs and requests, ensuring meals are suitable for individuals with specific health conditions or preferences. Prepare reports as needed, such as meal counts, inventory logs, program assessments, etc.
Required Qualifications:
Current ServSafe certification or ability to obtain one within 90 days of hiring. Experience in food service, commercial kitchen operations, institutional food service, senior nutrition, school food service, childcare food service, hospitality, or a related setting. Ability to maintain accurate records and follow established policies, procedures, recipes, and food-service standards. Ability to work independently and as a team-member, prioritize competing needs, and identify problems before they affect service. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Ability to successfully complete required background checks.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in kitchen, storage, and service areas. Ability to alternate between standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, sitting, and computer/desk work throughout the workday. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and move food, boxes, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally, and lighter items more frequently. Ability to request assistance, use carts, or use team lifting for items that are heavy, awkward, unstable, or over 50 pounds. Ability to bend, stoop, reach overhead, twist, crouch, and access shelves, coolers, freezers, storage areas, and kitchen equipment. Ability to work in cooler, freezer, hot kitchen, dishwashing, storage, and food-preparation environments. Ability to safely operate or work around standard commercial kitchen equipment. Ability to use cleaning products and sanitation supplies safely. Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, text, email, and written documentation. Ossipee Concerned Citizens, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. OCC may modify duties and responsibilities as operational needs require.
Pay:
$18.50 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
403(b) Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid sick time Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
