Assistant Cook; Food and Nutrition

Organization Overview

The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults through-out Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families.

The Isaacs Center focuses primarily on the needs of children and low-income families, out-of-school and out-of-work youth, and aging New Yorkers. We operate at community centers located in the neighborhoods of East Harlem and Yorkville, and seek to deliver programs that are impactful, innovative, and intergenerational.

Position Summary: The Assistant Cook prepares food as per a pre-existing menu based on the nutritional guidelines. The Assistant Cook is responsible for assisting in the maintenance, sanitation, and cleanliness of the kitchen and related facilities and equipment.

Schedule: 35 hours per week

Hourly Rate: $22.00/hr

• Assists with food preparation according to a pre-planned menu and food service.
• Assists the Head Chef with daily supervision of other kitchen staff members and implementation of tasks and production assignments.
• In the absence of the Head Chef, assumes full responsibility for cooking, serving pre-planned meals, record keeping, and supervising the task supervision of kitchen staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Assists in the inventory and proper maintenance of food storage areas, ensuring all food items in the storage room are properly dated.
• Assists with deliveries as they arrive, storing them promptly and ensuring proper rotation of food and disposables, following FIFO practices.
• Assists in the maintenance, cleanliness, and sanitization of all refrigeration/freezer units (both free-standing and walk-ins), steam tables, shelves/racks, work surfaces, all cooking equipment (including and especially the range and ovens), dishes, utensils, appliances, tables, and storage areas.
• Reports appliance/equipment failure to the Head Chef promptly and, in the absence of the Head Chef and Food Service Manager, can schedule repairs.
• Prepare, cook, and supervise the portioning and serving of food.
• Participate in menu planning and developing food purchase orders, and submit orders on time.
• Maintain Daily Food used records and conduct monthly physical food and disposables inventory.
• Coordinate activities of staff engaged in food preparation, meal service, packaging, and clean-up.
• Responsible for safe handling and ensuring proper temperature control of prepared foods, food storage areas, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Responsible for the proper functioning, cleaning of kitchen equipment, dining areas, and adherence to sanitation standards.
• Assist in the support of volunteers and interns in the kitchen.
• Actively participate in all aspects of staff development, including weekly supervision, team meetings, and training during the year.
• Understand that the above description does not cover all aspects of the role and further duties can be required as needed.

• Possession of Food Protection Certificate as issued by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
• Minimum of two years of experience cooking for large groups of 2000+ people.
• Experience preparing and cooking hot, frozen, and chilled meals.
• CPR certified and AED/First Aid Certified or be willing to attend both trainings.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to stoop, bend, lift and carry 50+ lbs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to multi-task and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Experience or interest in serving older adults in a community center setting.
• Bilingual, English/Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to work some flexible hours, including evenings and weekends if needed.
• Must be able to work on…