Cook in Little Rock, Arkansas at Depaul Usa Inc

TITLE: Cook
FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt
HOURS: Full Time, and Part Time
RESPONSIBLE TO: Associate Director
DIRECT REPORTS: None
LOCATION: 3405 W. Roosevelt Rd Little Rock, AR
SALARY: $16.00 per hour, paid bi-weekly

Please visit www.depaulusa.org to learn more.

Depaul USA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees. If you need a reasonable accommodation in any part of the hiring process, please let us know.

Program Description
Depaul USA operates the Little Rock Micro Home Village, a project that is providing safe, dignified, temporary housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Village provides residents with access to micro homes, emergency shelter, case management, supportive services, and connections to community resources to help them achieve greater stability and transition toward permanent housing. The onsite Community Center serves as a hub for services and includes a 32-bed emergency shelter, showers and bathrooms, laundry facilities, training space, and a commercial kitchen and dining area. Depaul USA staff work collaboratively with residents and community partners to provide individualized support, address barriers to housing, and advance the organization's mission of ending homelessness through housing and supportive services.

Position Description
The Cook is responsible for planning, preparing, and providing nutritious meals for residents and guests of the Little Rock Micro Home Village. This position supports the daily food service needs of the program by developing menus, sourcing food, preparing meals, and maintaining food inventory and kitchen supplies. The Cook is also responsible for maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen while following established food safety and sanitation standards. This position works collaboratively with program staff and the other Cook to ensure consistent meal preparation and food service throughout the week.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions
• Plan menus and prepare nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents and guests based on program needs, available resources, and applicable dietary requirements.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with established meal schedules and program needs.
• Determine food and supply needs, purchase groceries, and coordinate the pickup or delivery of donated food from partner agencies and community organizations.
• Maintain food inventory, monitor supplies, and ensure food is properly stored and rotated to maintain freshness and reduce waste.
• Prepare food in accordance with established recipes, menus, and food safety practices.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions and special food needs when communicated by program staff.
• Maintain accurate records of food purchases, deliveries, donations, and inventory as needed.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, dishes, food preparation areas, and dining spaces.
• Maintain an organized kitchen and ensure food, supplies, and equipment are properly stored.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements, including proper food handling, storage temperatures, and cleaning procedures.
• Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance needs, safety concerns, or equipment problems to the Associate Director.
• Coordinate with the other Cook to support meal preparation and consistent food service throughout the week.
• Communicate with program staff regarding menus, food availability, meal preparation, and any dietary or food service concerns.
• Maintain a professional and respectful approach when interacting with residents, guests, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Follow Depaul USA policies, procedures, and food safety requirements.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
• Assist with receiving, sorting, organizing, and storing donated food and kitchen supplies.
• Assist with maintaining relationships with community partners and food providers to support ongoing food donations and program needs.
• Assist with food preparation for special events, activities, and program needs.
• Monitor food waste and identify opportunities to use food and supplies efficiently.
• Participate in staff meetings, required training, and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Depaul USA.

General Responsibilities
• Stays informed of current local and national events, trends, and issues (wherever possible) that impact Depaul USA’s work with the homeless.
• Strives continuously to develop the role in collaboration with the supervisor to ensure that all tasks are undertaken effectively and appropriately, meeting the strategic goals and objectives of Depaul USA.
• Participates in internal/external meetings as required and attends training events, conferences, and other functions as necessary. Participates in regular supervision and annual appraisal and helps in identifying your job-related development and training needs.
• Ensures adherence to all Depaul USA policies and procedures, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Code of Practice, and Confidentiality.
• Contributes to the effective implementation of Depaul USA’s Equal Opportunities Policy as it affects both the organization and its work with this client group.
• Undertakes the role professionally, always maintaining a high-quality work standard and always working in accordance with the Vision, Mission, and Values of Depaul USA.
• Undertakes any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, and experienced in food preparation and kitchen operations, with a commitment to providing nutritious meals in a respectful and welcoming environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of food service experience in institutional cooking, catering, restaurant, kitchen, or similar food service operations preferred.
• Food safety certification, such as ServSafe or a Food Handler's Permit, required or ability to obtain within an established timeframe.
• Knowledge of food preparation, food storage, kitchen sanitation, and safe food handling practices.
• Ability to plan menus, prepare meals, manage food supplies, and work within an established food budget.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with program staff and the other Cook.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain a clean and safe kitchen and follow established procedures.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Depaul USA.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. In the course of performing this job, the employee typically spends extended periods standing and walking, with occasional sitting, bending, reaching, and climbing stairs. The position requires lifting and carrying food supplies, kitchen equipment, and other items weighing up to 20 pounds. The employee must be able to operate kitchen equipment, use utensils and tools, and perform repetitive hand movements. The position also involves making and receiving telephone calls and may require working in varying indoor and outdoor environmental conditions.

Special Requirement
• Must possess a valid driver's license and comply with Depaul USA’s Motor Vehicle Policy during the course of employment. Additionally, occasional use of a personal vehicle may be necessary.

Work Schedule
• In-person position based at the Little Rock Micro Home Village, located at 3405 W. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, AR.
• Full-time position is scheduled to work weekdays, with hours determined by program needs.
• Part-time position is scheduled to work weekends, with hours determined by program needs.
• Employees must be available to work their assigned schedules and coordinate with the other Cook to support consistent food service throughout the week.

Benefits
Benefits vary based on employment status (full-time or part-time).
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents (Full-Time Only)
• Employer-paid Basic Life/AD&D and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage (Full-Time Only)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching (Full-Time and Part-Time)
• Vacation and personal leave (Full-Time Only)
• Sick leave (Full-Time and Part-Time)
• 10 observed holidays (Full-Time and Part-Time)

Background Checks
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed as part of the hiring process. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect application status or applicants’ employment status.

Declaration
This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position's duties, responsibilities, and requirements. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Depaul USA and management reserve the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other tasks as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Depaul USA is an equal opportunity employer and affords equal opportunity to all applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.

Thank you for considering Depaul USA! To apply, please submit your resume.

Deadline: Until Filled

To apply for this position, please visit: https://jobs.appone.com/DepaulUSA