Cook

This role supports the daily food service system for the Letty Owings Center (LOC), a residential substance use disorder treatment program for pregnant women or parenting women with children from newborn to five years of age. The Cook I position floats between two locations: Hooper DSC and Letty Owings Center.

About the Organization

Since 1979, Central City Concern (CCC) has helped people in the Portland community create meaningful, long-term change. Each year, CCC serves more than 13,000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with affordable and supportive housing, person-centered health care, addiction recovery, and employment assistance.

Schedule

• Wednesday - Sunday, 9:00am - 5:30pm
• Monday & Tuesday off

Pay

• $23.60/hr - $31.32/hr
• Final compensation determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials/licensure, and internal equity
• External candidates: Offer max $27.39/hr per Union contract

This role is a Union Represented position through the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Responsibilities

• Prepares and serves meals according to prescribed menu, ensuring food is appetizing, sanitary, and apportioned appropriately
• Maintains appropriate temperatures and sanitary conditions during meal service
• Properly collects, stores, or disposes of leftover food to reduce waste
• Plans and prepares nutritionally sound menus adhering to government agency and nutritional organization recommendations, with a focus on fresh ingredients
• Maintains accurate menu records, including deviations and adaptations for dietary needs (allergies, cultural/religious restrictions)
• Ensures compliance with sanitation, food handling, storage, and record-keeping standards per local, state, and federal requirements
• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen, dining, and storage areas, including regular deep cleaning
• Performs daily temperature checks and area inspections, recording results
• Interacts professionally with clients, peers, guests, and leadership, modeling prosocial mealtimes and healthy food choices
• Engages clients in dining room cleanup respectfully and ensures client chores meet standards
• Maintains adequate inventory, communicates low stock, and ensures proper rotation and par levels
• Stocks 24/7 resident food items, including condiments, snacks, cereals, breads, and milk
• Assists with day-to-day facility needs and supports team members as required
• Manages tasks to ensure meals are served on time and kitchen cleanup is completed before shift end
• Adheres to all state and federal privacy regulations (HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2) and CCC confidentiality policies
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• At least 6 months of prior institutional cooking experience preferred
• Oregon Food Handlers permit (or ability to obtain within 2 weeks of hire)
• Adult and Child/Infant CPR Certification and Adult and Pediatric First Aid Certification (must obtain prior to start date)
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check, including clearance by the DHS and Childcare Background Check Unit
• No DUI conviction or diversion, felony conviction, or conviction under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act within the previous 3 years
• Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull, lift heavy objects (minimum 50 pounds), and climb stairs with reasonable or no accommodation
• Adherence to CCC’s drug-free workplace policy
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse ethnic, religious, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds
• Driver’s license preferred; if using a vehicle for agency use, must meet CCC’s Fleet Safety policy requirements and maintain minimum auto liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000

Skills

• Institutional cooking experience, preferably in a healthcare or residential setting, with knowledge of prenatal, adult, and child nutrition
• Ability to lift and transport a minimum of 50 pounds multiple times per day
• Ability to retrieve items from overhead, under countertops, drawers, or distant locations repeatedly
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills
• Ability to work calmly under pressure and demonstrate a high tolerance for change
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Experience working with diverse populations, including individuals with dual diagnoses or disabilities who may display hostile behaviors
• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques for volatile situations
• Understanding of professional and personal boundaries in the workplace
• Ability to consider impacts of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and extensive total rewards package
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with employer match (4.25% in 1st year, 6% in 2nd year, 8% in 3rd year)
• Generous paid time off: 4 weeks of PTO accrual per year (increases with longevity)
• Up to 11 recognized holidays and 2 personal holidays (dependent on work shift)
• Student loan repayment options
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21