DETAILS OF POSITION

Location: Santa Maria / Full-time: Sunday - Thursday  /  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM  / Starting Rate: $18.20 per hour

PURPOSE OF POSITION

VTC Enterprises has been supporting adults with developmental disabilities since opening our doors in 1962. 

The Cook performs a variety of duties to include cooking, inventory and maintaining the cleaning schedule.      

For more information visit our website: www.vtc-sm.org

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Monitor sanitation practices and follow kitchen safety standards.
• Ensure food is stored at the appropriate temperature for the appropriate length of time and follows all food safety standards. Record food temperatures, production, and waste on required documentation.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary workstation area including tables, shelves, broilers, fryers, sauté burners, convection oven, flat top range and refrigeration equipment.  Ensure all food preparation and kitchen is cleaned and ready for next shift.
• Know and comply consistently with our standard portion sizes, cooking methods, and quality standards.
• Prepares item for broiling, grilling, frying, sautéing or other cooking methods by portioning, battering, breading, seasoning and/or marinating.
• Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in broilers, ovens, grills, fryers and a variety of other kitchen equipment.
• Stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products to assure a smooth service period.
• Handles, stores and rotates all products properly marking the date and item on the container.
• Observes proper food preparation and handling techniques.
• Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to supervisor. Minimize food waste
• Ensure accurate completion of daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules.
• Check food and kitchen supplies; ensure cooking utensils, pans, and other equipment are kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
• Assign cleaning duties as needed.
• Assist with training of kitchen personnel

Qualifications

Education and/or experience:  Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.  Culinary arts training or vocational training preferred.  Prior commercial kitchen experience or cooking for large groups desired. Minimum two years' experience in the food services industry as a cook.

Communication skills:   Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos in English.  Ability to write simple correspondence in English. Ability to remember oral or written instructions provided by others. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to Individuals served and other employees.  Ability to read and interpret a recipe. 

Interpersonal skills:  Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and management.  Interact diplomatically with the public.  Foster a stimulating, accepting learning environment.

Self-management skills: Perform effectively in environments with frequent workload changes and competing demands. Set priorities which accurately reflect the relative importance of job responsibilities. 

Reasoning ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out basic written or oral instructions.  Ability to think through the consequences of a decision prior to making it. Ability to recognize an emergency situation and take appropriate action. 

Computer skills: Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software. 

Certificates, licenses, registrations: Maintain First Aid, CPR and CPI Certifications.  Must obtain and maintain a ServSafe Food Handler Certification. Must have a valid driver's license with an insurable record.  

Other skills and abilities: Must be able to multi-task and perform in a fast-paced work environment. Must meet and maintain Community Care Licensing criminal history criteria.

Benefits

• Paid holiday, vacation, and family leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401-K
• Employment Assistance Program (EAP)

VTC Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.