Youth Take Action (YTA) Cook in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Norris Square Civic Association

The YTA cook plays a pivotal role in ensuring the nutritional needs of youth attending the various programs at the YTA Teen Center are met. This position oversees the planning, preparation, and serving of nutritious meals for the youth participating in the various youth programming at the center. The YTA Cook is responsible for maintaining high standards of food safety and sanitation, upkeep of the kitchen, supplies, storage and fostering a positive dining experience. The YTA Cook coordinates ordering, deliveries to the Teen Center, maintains food and supply inventory, keeps records and works with the Teen Center staff to ensure the nutritional needs of the youth are met.

1. Ensures adherence to health department regulations and USDA guidelines.
2. Develops, creates, and distributes menus adhering to programmatic standards to all departments within the Youth Take Action department.
3. Plans and prepares meals according to programming standards.
4. Assures completion and accuracy of labels, menus, invoices.
5. Manages food inventory and supplies to meet the needs of enrolled youth and program staff.
6. Collaborates with program staff to accommodate special dietary needs and food allergies of children.
7. Maintains accurate records of food production, inventory, and meal counts for reporting purposes.
8. Orders food and kitchen supplies, monitors inventory levels, and ensures proper storage of perishable and non-perishable items.
9. Ensures kitchen and kitchen equipment is maintained, serviced, and in good working condition, following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
10. Monitors food temperatures during preparation, storage, and serving to prevent foodborne illnesses.
11. Maintains sanitation, safety, and hygiene standards in the kitchen, complying with local and state health department regulations.
12. Participates in all needed trainings.
13. Ensures adherence to food safety protocols, sanitation standards and ensuring compliance with kitchen licenses and SERV safe Certifications.
14. Attends meetings and workshops related to nutrition, food safety, and professional development as required.
15. Communicates with staff to ensure up-to-date lists of allergies, special diets, and dietary restrictions. Completes and files necessary paperwork for allergies and meal substitutions.
16. Prepares meals for large events that occur within the Teen Center.
17. Complete other duties as assigned by the Center Director and agency leadership.

Organizational Competencies:

Leadership:

• Takes initiative and is empowered to lead within the position.
• Influences others in a positive way.

Customer Service:

• Complies with the service expectations of internal and external stakeholders (results oriented).
• Assertive communication with others (verbal, not verbal and written)

Productivity:

• Oriented to high efficiency and quality standards.
• Committed to compliance with deadlines with diligence.
• Demonstrates accountability.

Innovation:

• Incorporates technology to day-to-day processes to drive results with efficiency.
• Promotes creative solutions to problems.
• Propose new ideas to improve the processes.

Teamwork:

• Demonstrates the ability to adjust to situations of change in a positive manner.
• Promotes interaction with others based on respect, courtesy, transparent communication, and optimism.
• Values the opinion of others and listen to different perspectives.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements:

• Highschool Diploma or equivalent required; culinary or food service certification required.
• Proven experience working in a commercial kitchen, preferably in a childcare or school setting.
• Knowledge of nutrition guidelines and food safety regulations.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and build trusting relationships.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and perform tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing menu requirements, dietary restrictions, and special events.
• Ability to converse, read and write Spanish and English (preferred).
• Ability to secure clearance for PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History, FBI, and National Sex Offenders Clearance (required).
• Possess or ability to secure a Driver’s License and insurance (preferred).
• Ability to secure health clearances every two years and TB once (required).
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint and Microsoft Office, Salesforce.
• Ability to source and order food supplies efficiently, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimal waste.
• Ability to create monthly menu calendars.
• Ability or experience in preparing and cooking meals from various cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural preferences.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Ability to climb steps.