Food Services Cook

Food Services Cook

The Food Services Cook prepares and serves nutritious meals for participants at reStart Inc. This role is responsible for following menus and standardized recipes, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and supporting daily food service operations. The Cook works collaboratively with kitchen team members and volunteers to ensure all meals are prepared on time, served respectfully, and aligned with health and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare hot and cold meals in accordance with menus, recipes, and service schedules.
• Weigh, measure, and portion ingredients accurately to maintain quality and consistency.
• Serve meals in a cafeteria-style setting, ensuring a positive and respectful participant experience.
• Prepare food in a timely manner to meet scheduled meal service.

Sanitation & Safety

• Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment, including tables, floors, equipment, and utensils.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and trays; take out trash as needed.
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors to ensure safety.
• Report malfunctioning equipment or unsafe conditions immediately to the Food Services Manager.
• Follow all health and safety standards in compliance with Kansas City Health Department regulations.

Inventory & Supplies

• Assist in receiving food deliveries, checking for quality, and storing items appropriately.
• Support inventory tracking by noting shortages, surplus, or stockpiling concerns.
• Ensure proper rotation of food items using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.

Collaboration & Volunteer Engagement

• Work collaboratively with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient and safe food service.
• Provide guidance to community service workers and volunteers, ensuring they are trained and supervised appropriately.
• Support volunteer engagement by modeling professionalism, respect, and teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operations of the department.

Qualifications & Experience

• Basic knowledge of food preparation and cooking methods, preferably in large-scale food service.
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation standards in food service operations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to work respectfully with participants, team members, and volunteers.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic for measurement and portioning.
• Must obtain a valid Food Handler's Permit through the Kansas City Health Department.
• Ability to meet physical demands including bending, stooping, walking, standing, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening.

Core Competencies

• Teamwork: Collaborates effectively with fellow team members and volunteers.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates respect, tact, and reliability in all interactions.
• Adaptability: Adjusts quickly to changing kitchen demands and service needs.
• Attention to Detail: Follows recipes and sanitation standards precisely.
• Communication: Maintains clear and respectful communication with participants, team members, and volunteers.
• Accountability: Meets productivity, attendance, and punctuality expectations consistently.

reStart Inc. Core Values & Attributes

We seek team members who embody:

• A commitment to mission-driven, participant-centered service.
• Integrity, professionalism, and accountability in daily work.
• Collaboration and teamwork across programs and with community partners.
• Adaptability and solution-focused approaches in dynamic environments.
• Compassion, respect, and kindness in serving participants, volunteers, and team members.