Assistant Cook

Job Summary

The role of the Culinary Specialist is aid in meal preparation and service alongside the Executive Chef. Additional duties include training culinary team members, aid in inventory ordering, and assisting with grocery runs or meal portioning for the Eating Disorder unit, as needed.

Role and Responsibilities

• Prepares meals for the clients and staff, including meals for special events, private dinners, breakfast service, and beverage service according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, or numbers of portions to be served.
• Assists with meal portioning in the Eating Disorder unit, as needed.
• Delivers meals through the presentation of individual plating, family style and buffet style.
• Assists with ordering and obtaining groceries for the Eating Disorder residential unit by using a company vehicle, as needed.
• Sets up and breaks down meal service which includes cleaning up dishes and the kitchen.
• Begins meal prep for set-up the following day. Assists with stocking refrigerators and inventory at all facilities.
• Assists the Executive Chef with special event planning, as needed.
• Monitors and records food temperatures to ensure food safety.
• Assists the Executive Chef with maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen by performing opening and closing cleaning tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Ensures standards are maintained in residential facilities within the kitchen as well as the food and beverage storage areas, including wearing a designated uniform to ensure safety and cleanliness standards.
• Ensures inventory and ordering is completed weekly.
• Communicates discrepancies with inventory to the Executive Chef, as needed.
• Participates in staff development and training, including staff meetings, in-service trainings and annual trainings required by Sanford Behavioral Health on a timely basis.
• Adheres to the established Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Person Centered Philosophy, and employee handbook.
• Observes and respects patients’ individual rights and confidentiality.
• Provides extensive training of newly hired or assigned culinary staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required.
• SERV Safe Food Certified, preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License, required.
• First Aid and CPR Certified, preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, make appropriate decisions, and self-motivate.
• Ability to pay attention to details.
• Ability to work within a team setting and create an environment where all are valued and work together cohesively.
• Knowledge and in-depth understanding of food health and safety regulations.
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional time management and organization skills.
• Ability to prepare food using a wide range of kitchen ingredients and equipment.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality on all client records and business-related records, as required under HIPAA guidelines.
• Ability to demonstrate professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Values.
• Must possess positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking is required (8+ hours).
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds or more, with assistance.
• Must be able to perform kitchen-related tasks (i.e., using knives, using commercial-grade kitchen machinery, reading, and following recipes, cleaning, and doing dishes, etc.)
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means or spoken words to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands.
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly.
• Work will be performed in an environment with fluctuating temperatures.

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests for accommodations must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.