Cook

Position/Title: Cook

Hope House on Crotona Park

Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice, Inc.

Job Summary:

The Cook for Hope House on Crotona Park (HHCP) is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced meals for residents and staff in accordance with New York City nutritional guidelines and Department of Health standards. Working under the supervision of the Food Manager, the Cook ensures that all meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and on schedule, contributing to the trauma-informed, structured, and therapeutic environment of the Hope House residential alternative-to-incarceration program for a population living with Serious Mental Illness.

The Cook plays a vital role in supporting the Hope House mission by maintaining high standards of food quality and sanitation, assisting in menu planning, and modeling teamwork and professionalism in the kitchen. Working within a Work-Ordered Day model, the Cook also works collaboratively with the resident kitchen crew to foster vocational and life skills development.

This position reports directly to the Food Manager.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

1. Plan, organize, and prepare daily meals in accordance with pre-approved menus and NYC nutritional guidelines.
2. Develop monthly menus in collaboration with the Food Manager that meet the dietary, cultural, and nutritional needs of residents.
3. Ensure that all meals are prepared and served on time, maintaining appropriate portion sizes and presentation standards.
4. Order, receive, and maintain food and kitchen supply inventories in coordination with the Food Manager.
5. Maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of all kitchen, dining, and storage areas in compliance with Department of Health regulations.
6. Adhere to food safety and hygiene procedures, including safe food handling, proper storage, temperature monitoring, and waste management.
7. Supervise and assist residents assigned to the kitchen crew, modeling teamwork, accountability, and proper kitchen etiquette.
8. Assist in the training of residents in basic cooking, sanitation, and food service skills as part of their rehabilitation and vocational development.
9. Maintain accurate records, including temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and supply orders.
10. Report any equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, or maintenance needs to the Food Manager promptly.
11. Participate in periodic inspections, staff meetings, and ongoing food service training as required.
12. Support the therapeutic community by fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment in the kitchen and dining areas.
13. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Food Manager or Program Director.

Minimum qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; formal culinary training or certification preferred.
2. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in institutional, residential, or commercial food service settings.
3. Valid New York City Food Protection Certificate required.
4. Knowledge of NYC Department of Health food safety standards and HACCP guidelines.
5. Demonstrated ability to plan and prepare large-scale meals that meet nutritional and dietary standards.
6. Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
7. Ability to work collaboratively with staff and residents in a therapeutic, community-based environment.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
9. Must be reliable, punctual, and capable of maintaining a consistent work schedule.
10. Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, as required.

The essential functions of the job include:

1. Preparing and serving nutritious meals in accordance with program and health standards.
2. Maintaining a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environment.
3. Collaborating with staff and residents to promote teamwork and skill-building in the kitchen.
4. Demonstrating reliability, professionalism, and regular attendance.
5. Upholding the mission, values, and therapeutic community principles of Hope House and the Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice, Inc.

Salary $42,500