Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, safe, and appealing meals for clients and staff in a residential treatment setting. This role supports client health, wellness, and recovery by ensuring meals meet nutritional guidelines, accommodate dietary needs, and are prepared in compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. The Cook works collaboratively with program leadership and staff to maintain a clean, organized kitchen and consistent meal service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Meal Preparation & Service
- Prepare and cook meals.
- Ensure meals are served on schedule and meet quality, taste, and presentation standards.
- Accommodate special diets, allergies, cultural considerations, and medical or religious dietary needs as directed.
Food Safety & Sanitation
- Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
- Follow proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature control procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness of kitchen, food storage areas, equipment, and utensils.
- Complete cleaning and sanitation tasks according to established schedules.
- Report equipment issues or safety hazards promptly.
Inventory & Supply Management
- Monitor food inventory and order as needed.
- Assist with ordering, receiving, and storing food and kitchen supplies.
- Minimize waste through proper planning, storage, and portion control.
Operational & Program Support
- Coordinate meal service with program schedules and activities.
- Collaborate with staff to ensure smooth meal transitions and dining room operations.
- Provide support during special events or increased census as needed.
- Maintain professional boundaries and respectful interactions with clients.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain required logs (e.g., temperature logs, cleaning checklists, inventory records).
- Follow organizational policies, procedures, and code of conduct.
- Participate in required trainings, including food safety and workplace safety.
- Support audits, inspections, and accreditation requirements.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- ServSafe Manager Certified or able to obtain within 90 days of employment.
- Strong time management and organizational skills.
- Attention to cleanliness, safety, and detail.
- Ability to follow menus, recipes, and instructions.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Professional communication and interpersonal skills.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Work performed primarily in the kitchen and dining area.
- Requires standing for extended periods.
- Ability to lift to 50 pounds.
- Exposure to hot surfaces, sharp utensils, and kitchen equipment.
- Ability to follow safety procedures and respond to emergencies.
Pre-Employment Drug Screening Requirement
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening in accordance with company policy and applicable state and federal law.
This position is subject to our drug-free workplace policy. Where permitted by applicable law, including for positions designated as safety-sensitive, applicants must be able to meet all drug-screening and workplace safety requirements. Employment decisions regarding marijuana use, including medical marijuana, will be made in accordance with Arkansas law and the requirements of the position.
Job descriptions are not intended to, nor should they be construed, to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from positions and to assign other duties as necessary.
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
