Cook

About the Role

Under close supervision, performs service work preparing, cleaning, and cooking a variety of foods using standardized or revised recipes. This classification is responsible for routine food preparation and kitchen work, may require work in secure facilities, and may require a flexible work schedule to meet department needs.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, and cooks meats, soups, vegetables, sauces, gravies, salads, and desserts.
• Checks food for appearance and taste.
• Serves meals using proper portion control and acceptable serving methods.
• Carves and displays meats, vegetables, salads, and desserts.
• Plans for proper utilization of overproduced foods.
• Operates, cleans, and maintains cooking utensils and related equipment used in meal preparation; ensures equipment is operational.
• Maintains cleanliness and safe working conditions in the kitchen area in accordance with Health Department standards.
• Ensures proper storage of food and supplies; stores and rotates perishable and nonperishable food.
• Monitors inventory of food supply.
• Sets dishes and dining room equipment in proper storage.
• Receives and monitors kitchen deliveries.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• One (1) year of increasingly responsible food preparation experience in a food service facility; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Food Handler's Registration issued by the Austin/Travis County Health Human Services Department or the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Food Service Manager Certificate issued by the Texas Board of Health.
• Valid Texas Driver's License.

Skills

• Knowledge of methods for preparing and storing food in large volumes.
• Knowledge of methods for preparing modified and calculated diets.
• Knowledge of health, sanitation, nutritional, and safety practices involved in food preparation.
• Skill in using and cleaning equipment and materials for food preparation.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in estimating food quantities.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, manage time well, and meet timelines.
• Ability to determine appropriate procedures, methods, and priorities for completing assigned work.
• Ability to follow, understand, and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, outside agencies, County employees, officials, and the public.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 10-20 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination.
• Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, reaching, and twisting to perform essential functions.

Schedule

Up to 30 hours of work per week, Monday through Friday. Includes some holidays, nights, and weekends.

Location

2515 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704