Cook Helper

About the role

The Food and Nutrition Services Unit manages a food services budget of $5M for FY 2024. It is responsible for the preparation and service of food to children and youth in the care of ACS. The full-serviced kitchens serve three meals and snacks to youth housed at the Crossroads and Horizon Secure Juvenile Detention Centers and the Nicholas Scoppetta Children's Center (NSCC) congregate facility. The Food and Nutrition Unit also partners with children, youth, and care providers to address behavior issues related to food and develops/designs specialized menus to accommodate food allergies, and medical, religious, and cultural dietary restrictions. The Food and Nutrition Services Unit is also responsible for distributing meal cards to youth at the NSCC congregate facility and maintaining operations of the vending machines throughout the Agency. The Unit oversees the execution of Light Refreshment and Modest Meal Requests for staff and youth-centered events throughout the year and ensures the requests comply with New York City Comptroller's Directive 6.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Cook and the Cook, the Cook Helper is responsible for assisting in the preparation and serving of food in an institution in accordance with the New York City Food Standards, Executive Order 122, and performing related duties. This position requires knowledge of sanitary codes applicable to meal preparation, food handling and cleaning. The cook helper must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers. Consistent and reliable cook helpers are required to assist in the preparation of food that provides physical nourishment and contributes to a sense of emotional well-being to children and youth in the care of ACS.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness of the assigned areas to provide residents with a safe and sanitary dining environment.
• Maintain inventory and security of supplies and equipment.
• Assist stock workers in the inspection and weighing of foods that are delivered, while ensuring quality and verifying quantity.
• Serve food to residents and youth while maintaining portion control.
• Monitor security of the refrigeration and storage areas to limited access.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and write English and to understand and carry out simple instructions.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to read and write English.
• Ability to work well under pressure and in fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Able to maintain professional relationship with clients, co-workers, and facility staff.
• Strong knowledge of proper food handling procedures.
• NYC DOHMH Food Handlers Certificate preferred but not required.

Pay

Salary between $40,223.00 - $46,256.00

Schedule

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.