Cook- Part-time

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals in accordance with approved menus and public health guidelines. This role oversees food preparation and inventory management for facilities serving no more than twenty-five (25) clients. The Cook ensures food safety, maintains sanitation standards, and supports meal planning under the direction of the Food Service Supervisor and agency nutritionist. The position also involves guiding support staff or clients assisting in the kitchen, maintaining kitchen equipment, and complying with all City of Chicago and State of Illinois food service regulations.

Work Hours: Days vary, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM

JOB DUTIES

• Prepares meals for the population of the facility.
• Appropriately follows and posts menus as directed by the agency nutritionist or supervisor.
• Maintains inventory of foods and food supplies; submits requisitions as needed.
• Maintains equipment in clean and proper operating order.
• Ensures safety and sanitation of all foods stored, prepared, and served.
• Oversees teams of clients and staff assisting in preparation and storage of food.
• Provides training to food service assistants.
• Follows all public health regulations regarding food service delivery.
• Prepares monthly reports on food preparation operations.
• Performs all duties in accordance with City of Chicago and State of Illinois guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a valid City and State Food Service License
• High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Special training in food service and nutrition recommended
• Strong understanding of public health rules and food safety/sanitation regulations

SMART GOALS

• Improve food preparation efficiency
• Enhance menu knowledge
• Maintain kitchen sanitation standards

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to hot surfaces, open flames, sharp utensils, and industrial cooking equipment.
• Subject to varying temperatures, including hot kitchens and cold storage areas (freezers/refrigerators).
• May encounter moderate to high noise levels from kitchen appliances and staff activity.
• Work hours may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on facility scheduling needs.
• Required to adhere to strict hygiene and sanitation standards and wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, aprons, and hairnets.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during food preparation and cleaning.
• Frequent bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling required.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements required for chopping, stirring, and handling kitchen equipment.
• Manual dexterity and physical stamina necessary to perform duties safely and effectively.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Director of Finance position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Duties may be modified to meet evolving business needs.

COMPENSATION

Hourly Rate: $19.06

Occupational Risk for Exposure to TB:

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

Join our team of compassionate professionals dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious meals that support the overall wellness of our clients. At Friend Health/HRDI, we value safety, service, and community—and we’re looking for someone like you to help us nourish lives and deliver excellence every day.