Cook

**Job Description:** **Job Title:** Cook, Starting Pay $15.00/HR **Location:** Poplar Bluff, Missouri **Department:** Recovery Services **Employment Type:** Part-time **Job Summary:** Join our dedicated team as a Cook in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in recovery. We're seeking a compassionate, skilled individual to prepare nutritious meals for our clients. Your culinary expertise will directly contribute to the well-being and healing of those we serve. If you have a passion for cooking, attention to detail, and a desire to help others, this role offers an opportunity to blend your culinary skills with a mission-driven purpose. As a Cook, you'll be responsible for preparing and serving meals according to established menus and nutritional guidelines. You'll work in a supportive environment, collaborating with a team dedicated to providing high-quality care. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to follow food safety protocols, and a commitment to creating a positive dining experience for our clients. Poplar Bluff, known as the "Gateway to the Ozarks," offers a blend of small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities. With its proximity to the Mark Twain National Forest and the Current River, residents enjoy fishing, hiking, and water activities. The community boasts a rich cultural heritage, affordable living, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to live and work. **The Cook position offers…** - **Employee Assistance Program** – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost - **Workplace Culture** - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement - Opportunity to make a positive impact on clients' recovery journeys - Collaborative team environment in a supportive workplace - Chance to utilize and enhance culinary skills in a meaningful setting **Key Responsibilities:** - Prepare and serve nutritious meals according to established menus and USDA guidelines - Accommodate dietary restrictions by creating alternative meals when necessary - Maintain cleanliness of kitchen, equipment, and dining areas - Track and log food temperatures, refrigerator/freezer usage, and meal substitutions - Minimize food waste and efficiently manage inventory - Coordinate daily menu preparation, including thawing and preparing frozen meats - Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments to meet client needs - Assist in menu planning and provide input on nutrition and resident observations - Prepare food for special events as requested - Maintain a positive and supportive attitude towards clients **Education and/or Experience Qualifications:** - High School Diploma or GED required - Minimum of one year of employment history - Basic understanding of nutrition is beneficial **Required License/Certification (one of the following):** - ServSafe Certification (must be obtained upon hiring) **Additional Qualifications:** - Must provide evidence of being free from infectious and contagious diseases (e.g., TB test) prior to employment and annually thereafter - Valid driver's license and successful completion of background check required - Ability to complete First Aid training - Hepatitis A vaccination required prior to handling food products (for St. Louis area staff) - Physical ability to perform heavy work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently - Strong organizational and time management skills - Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities - Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities Keywords: Cook, Food Service, Culinary, Nutrition, Recovery Services, Meal Preparation, Food Safety, Dietary Restrictions, Kitchen Management, Hospitality **Position Perks & Benefits:** **Paid time off:** full-time employees receive an attractive t…