Cook in Delray Beach, Florida at South County Mental Health Center

Cook
Position Summary
South County Mental Health Center, Inc. is seeking a dependable and organized Cook to prepare and serve meals for residents in a safe, sanitary, and timely manner. This role is responsible for meal preparation, kitchen cleanliness, food storage, and assisting with dietary operations to support the health and wellbeing of residents in a behavioral healthcare setting.
About Us
South County Mental Health Center, Inc. is a private, non-profit, Joint Commission-accredited behavioral healthcare provider serving Southeast Palm Beach County. We are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality mental health services to individuals and families in our community.
Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum six (6) months of institutional cooking experience
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, and food safety procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work weekends

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two (2)+ years of cooking experience
• Experience working in healthcare, residential, or institutional food service settings
• Familiarity with therapeutic or special diet preparation

Duties and Responsibilities
Meal Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare, season, cook, and serve meals according to menus and production schedules
• Prepare meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, soups, desserts, and other menu items
• Follow standardized recipes and portion guidelines
• Adjust meal preparation for therapeutic or special diets as directed
• Review upcoming menus and ensure ingredients are available and properly thawed

Kitchen Operations & Food Safety

• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and dating of food items and leftovers
• Monitor kitchen cleanliness and sanitation standards
• Check walk-in coolers and storage areas for food quality and expiration dates
• Complete temperature logs and food safety documentation

Dietary Support Duties

• Assist with meal setup, transport, and delivery to residential units
• Assist with stocking and putting away groceries and supplies
• Clean kitchen equipment and work areas
• Support dietary aides and kitchen staff as needed

Additional Duties

• Assist with occasional food or supply ordering
• Perform additional duties and related services as assigned

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of food preparation and kitchen safety practices
• Ability to follow written instructions and menus
• Strong attention to cleanliness and organization
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Dependability and professionalism

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying
• Ability to lift food supplies and kitchen equipment
• Exposure to hot surfaces, kitchen equipment, and cleaning products

Working Conditions

• Commercial kitchen and residential healthcare environment
• Weekend work required
• OSHA Classification III

Performance Standards
Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and timeliness of meal preparation
• Compliance with sanitation and safety standards
• Accuracy in food handling and storage procedures
• Teamwork and reliability
• Overall kitchen cleanliness and organization

Schedule & Work Details
Part-Time Position
Schedule: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: In-person (Delray Beach, FL)
Pay: $17/hour
Additional Information
Background check required
Drug-free workplace
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

Apply now.

Because of the work we do in the community, a full background check is required for all staff.

We are a drug free employer.

South County Mental Health Center, Inc is an EOE.