Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.
LSF is seeking a talented Cook who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.
Purpose and Impact:
The Cook works as part of a team and contributes to kitchen operations and functions, responsible for ordering, preparing, serving and documentation of meals and snacks. This position adheres to health and food safety codes and cleanliness of the kitchen and foodservice and storage areas. May prepare foods for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children following USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) standards. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.
Essential Functions:
- Prepare ingredients and cook meals according to standardized recipes and menu standards following menus approved by the Registered Dietitian and assist in any food related activities as directed.
- Set up and organize workstations, ensuring all necessary tools and ingredients are available and ready for use.
- Coordinate with other staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of meals.
- Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation, ensuring consistency. Monitor and maintain portion control and waste reduction.
- Manage inventory of food, supplies, and equipment to facilitate smooth operations and report any shortages to the supervisor.
- Assist with receiving and storing deliveries of food items, checking for quality and accuracy.
- Address special dietary requests and accommodate food allergies or restrictions as required.
- Collaborate with staff to create food-related experiences that support family-style meal service.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and storage areas, adhering to proper sanitation procedures of food and equipment.
- Maintain safe usage of all kitchen equipment in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines. Report safety or health concerns, including malfunctioning kitchen equipment, to the supervisor promptly.
- Maintain compliance with all hygiene and sanitation standards, including proper food handling, storage, and cleaning procedures set by local, state, and federal regulations.
- Document food purchases, preparation, and serving in accordance with USDA CACFP guidelines. Organize and submit necessary records as required.
- Attend all required staff meetings and trainings as directed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Other Functions:
Note: The duties above are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Depending on the assigned area of responsibility, incumbents in the position may perform some or all the activities described above.
Physical Requirements:
- Mobility: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift) during food preparation, serving, and cleanup.
- Lifting/Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including large food containers, cases of supplies, and kitchen equipment.
- Manual Dexterity: Must have the physical dexterity to operate kitchen equipment, chop, stir, mix, and perform other repetitive motions.
- Reaching/Bending: Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and stretching required during cooking and cleaning duties.
- Vision and Hearing: Must have adequate vision (with or without corrective lenses) to read recipes, labels, and instructions, and hearing sufficient to respond to timers and verbal communication in a noisy kitchen environment.
- Temperature Tolerance: Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures (e.g., hot kitchens, walk-in coolers, and freezers).
- Communication: Must be able to speak and understand English well enough to follow safety instructions, recipes, and communicate with coworkers and supervisors.
- Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Education:
High School diploma or general education degree (GED)
Experience:
This is an entry-level position. Minimum of 2 years experience in quantity food preparation and inventory control preferred.
Also Required:
Within 90 days of employment, must have Food Handlers Certification or ServSafe certification (if required by local regulations). Successful completion of a Level II background screening, local criminal record check and drug screening prior to hiring.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to communicate both written and verbally.
- Ability to follow directions.
- Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and memos.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
- Ability to adapt to changing menus, ingredients, and kitchen demands.
- Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and the use of various kitchen equipment.
- Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with attention to detail.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage time effectively.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative and positive attitude.
Other:
Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Team player with co-workers and Head Start staff.
- Adherence to LSF, HS/EHS policies and practices.
Why work for LSF?
LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.
Amazing benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
- 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
- Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
- Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
- 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement
LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com (https://info.flclearinghouse.com)
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
