Cook - HELP of Southern Nevada

Shannon West Homeless Youth Center

Kitchen Cook

Thursday- Sunday 9:30am- 8:00 pm

Purpose:

Shannon West Homeless Youth Center has a full service commercial grade kitchen to serve the residents and clients of the program. Through our access to this facility we are able to provide hands on training to those interested in the culinary field.

As a Cook at Shannon West a typical day will be come in prepare Lunch and Dinner for up to 130 Residents, depending on occupancy. Cooks depending on daily work load may also assist in serving the clients their meals. A Clean up period after each meal is also part of our day. The cleanup period may include assisting in training and monitoring of Resident Clients Chore period which includes activities in the Kitchen and dining area.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

1. Prepare bulk recipes from scratch
2. Review prep recipes prior to preparation of food
3. Follow the prep list created by chefs to plan duties
4. Assure that all food procedures are followed and executed properly
5. Complete all assigned tasks & duties
6. Follow all sanitation guidelines
7. Clean and re-stock all areas of the operation
8. Label and stock all ingredients on shelves so they can be organized and easily accessible
9. Measure ingredients and seasonings to be used in cooking
10. Prepare cooking ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables, cutting meat etc.
11. Undertake basic cooking duties such as reducing sauces, parboiling food etc.
12. Prepare simple dishes such as salads, entrees etc.
13. Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen by washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, taking out trash etc.
14. Ensure all food and other items are stored properly
15. Comply with nutrition and sanitation guidelines
16. Perform other kitchen duties as assigned
17. Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
18. Assist in the cleaning of the Kitchen area. This includes but is not limited to washing dishes, sweeping and mopping floors, washing counters, walls, and Kitchen Bathroom upkeep.
19. Assist in the monitoring and instruction of the Kitchen Area Cleaning or Resident Clients assigned to that task during their Chore period.

Qualifications, Education, and/or Equivalent Experience:

1. Must have a State issued Food Handler Safety Card
2. ServSafe or Equivalent training preferred
3. Must be able to pass a drug and background check
4. Knowledge of health and safety rules in a kitchen
5. Minimum 2 years' kitchen experience
6. Manual dexterity able to operate cutting tools and kitchen utensils
7. A team player with good communication skills
8. Patient with an ability to stay positive under pressure
9. Very good physical condition and endurance
10. Listening: Cooks need to be able to hear and understand specific instructions from their Chefs
11. Stamina: Everyone in the kitchen works long hours on their feet over hot stoves and grills. Stamina is needed
12. Teamwork: Cooks are part of a team, and in a stressful, fast-paced environment, being a team player and level-headed will help immensely
13. Demonstrate cooking skills and ability to follow established menus and recipes
14. Availability to work in during weekends, evenings, and holidays.
15. Previous experience in a charity kitchen, food bank, shelter kitchen, hospital kitchen, or similar facility preferred.

Physical Requirements:

1. Occasionally required to sit, walk, reach, bend, kneel, stoop and climb
2. Must be able to push/pull up to 100lbs.
3. Must be able to lift up to 75lbs
4. Must be able to stand for long periods of time
5. Frequently able to balance, twist, use hands and fingers and wrist motion
6. Required to have good hand/eye coordination and mental alertness
7. Ability to concentrate within numerous distractions