Bilingual Cook - Hispanic Specialty - Des Plaines 60016

• Must be over 21 years old
• Must have a valid Illinois Driver's License
• Bilingual Spanish/English
• Time: To be determined and must be available weekends.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without a Visa

POSITION SUMMARY

The Cook is responsible for the preparation for all food items required for children in residential care in accordance with governmental guidelines. The Cook, who reports to the Program Director or designate, will be responsible for assisting in maintaining a clean and organized kitchen as well as prepping, cooking, serving and storing food in a safe manner. The Cook is a grant position related solely to programs funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and any successor funding. This position is based on Maryville’s campus in Des Plaines, Illinois.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Follows all Maryville’s policies and procedures as well as all program standard operating procedures;
• Responsible for menu development and/or adherence to assigned menu;
• Prepares 2 meals per day for 30 to 70 children in care;
• Maintains awareness of allergies, food aversions and refrigerator/freezer temperatures;
• Respects religious norms and medical indications in food preparation;
• Responsible for food ordering and inventory management;
• Utilizes standardized recipes, portion control and ingredient controls;
• Maintains food costs through the use of safe food handling, tagging expiration and preparation dates, recording of food production amounts, and safe disposal of food as needed;
• Assists in planning nutritious, balanced and appetizing meals in accordance with governmental guidelines;
• Maintains a clean, sanitary and organized kitchen and cleans the area as per program direction;
• Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas;
• Completes all required logs, forms and reports;
• Meets regularly with program supervisor;
• Performs other duties / functions as requested by supervisory personnel.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Experience:

• Culinary degree or related discipline preferred, but relevant experience and technical abilities may be substituted;
• Experience in preparing culturally relevant foods (Mexico, Caribbean, Central & South America);
• Experience in food preparation for groups;
• Strong team player;
• Must possess Food Protection Manager Certificate.

Skills /Knowledge:

• Adherence to hygiene norms and standards;
• Ability to provide food service and work under pressure during busy production periods;
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing;

• Ability to use good judgment, and think quickly and rationally in stressful situations;
• Successful completion of all staff education requirements including Pre-Service training, NCI, CPR, and ARC Model;
• Ability to establish trust and positive rapport with children, and work within ethical boundaries;
• Ability to effectively prioritize job duties and needs of the children;
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word and Excel), and documentation programs;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license;
• Ability to drive a passenger van.

Physical Demands:

• Required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and drive for extended periods of time; ability to walk up and down stairs;
• Required to lift/move objects and/or youth weighing in excess of 40 pounds;
• Must possess ability to provide physical restraint to youth;
• Must have the visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential job functions defined above.

Environment and Scheduling:

• Work is performed in the designated kitchen area;
• Will perform work in, and in association with, Maryville program settings and various community settings;
• Work placement may be at one or more Maryville sites in Des Plaines, Bartlett or Chicago.
• Duties involve contact with youth who may have suffered trauma;
• Must be flexible in scheduling and willing to work evening and weekend shifts.