Cook - Southeast Youth Development Center

Cook – Share Comfort and Care Through Every Meal

Cook with Compassion in a Structured Setting

Do you love preparing meals that make people feel at home? Are you looking for meaningful work where your skills truly make a difference? Join our team as a Cook in a secure residential environment, where you’ll help bring comfort, nourishment, and stability to those in your care—one plate at a time.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Preparing and cooking meals based on set menus and dietary guidelines
• Following batch-cooking practices to ensure quality, freshness, and timing
• Ensuring food is served safely—with correct portions, temperatures, and presentation
• Keeping kitchen and prep areas clean, organized, and fully stocked
• Logging food temperatures and completing required records and checklists
• Assisting with food orders and deliveries
• Following all sanitation, food safety, and company procedures
• Supporting a respectful and routine-focused kitchen environment

Why This Job Matters:

• Your meals help provide structure, health, and a sense of normalcy every day
• You’ll be part of a team dedicated to compassionate, professional care
• We provide training and support to help you succeed and grow
• Every dish you prepare helps someone feel valued and cared for

We’re Looking For People Who Are:

• Reliable, friendly, and eager to be part of a team
• Focused on quality, safety, and cleanliness
• Comfortable working in a structured, routine-based setting
• Willing to learn and follow clear procedures and standards
• Passionate about using their skills to make a positive impact

Who We Are:

At Whitsons Culinary Group, we believe every meal is a chance to provide more than just nourishment. In our residential dining programs, food brings dignity, care, and comfort. We take pride in creating welcoming kitchen environments that support routine, healing, and respect for all.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

• Consistent schedule – no late nights or major holidays
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Opportunities to learn, grow, and build your culinary career
• A supportive, mission-driven team that values your work

Apply today and help us live our mission: Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™.

Payrate: $18/hr

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES 

Education 

• High school diploma or equivalent required; must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required. 

Experience 

• Minimum 1 year of professional culinary or food service experience required; residential, correctional, or institutional food service experience preferred. 

Certifications 

• ServSafe certification required, or must be obtained within a defined timeframe upon hire; local food safety certification required in any jurisdiction of employment. 

Other Qualifications 

• Must be proficient in recipe procedures and cooking techniques; ability to speak and read English sufficient to understand and perform job assignments, follow recipes, and comply with safety requirements. 

• Always presents a positive and professional image; ability to work effectively as part of a food service team in a fast-paced kitchen environment; genuine interest in resident nutrition and wellbeing. 

Core Competencies 

• Culinary Skill & Recipe Adherence: Demonstrates proficiency in cooking techniques, batch cooking, and recipe execution; consistently meets portioning, presentation, and nutritional compliance standards for every meal served. 

• Food Safety & Compliance: Maintains rigorous adherence to HACCP, ServSafe, and all applicable food safety and sanitation standards; completes temperature logs and production records accurately and on time every shift. 

• Execution & Reliability: Manages the timing and sequencing of cooking operations to meet meal service deadlines consistently; follows all Whitsons policies, production standards, and assigned schedules with accuracy and dependability. 

• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates care in portioning, temperature monitoring, station setup, signage, and documentation; ensures every station is stocked, clean, and properly maintained throughout the service day. 

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with the Chef Manager and fellow food service workers; contributes to a productive, positive kitchen environment and supports the team in achieving daily service goals. 

• Customer Focus: Takes pride in the quality and presentation of every meal served; maintains a welcoming, clean, and orderly station and understands that resident satisfaction is the ultimate measure of success. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS 

Expected Hours of Work 

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with the school district’s food service schedule. Occasional extended hours may be required in support of special events or operational needs. 

Travel Requirements 

This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other school locations within the district may be required for substitute coverage or operational support. 

Physical Demands of the Job 

The Team Member is required to stand on their feet for the majority of the workday; frequently walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle food, tools, and equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment. Movement in and out of storerooms and near ovens and freezers is regularly required. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Environment 

This position operates primarily in a kitchen and food service production environment. Standing is required for the majority of the workday. The noise level is moderate to loud during meal service periods.