SUMMARY:  Provides nutritious meals to the participants of the assigned Senior Center. Maintains kitchen in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to food preparation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide direction to kitchen staff.

• Responsible for development, ordering, preparing and presentation of food for service to patrons in a timely manner at the assigned Senior Center.

• Oversees storage of food supplies. Maintains orders based on upcoming meals and ensure an efficient and easy access to supplies.

·         Responsible for maintaining any/all checklists and logs associated with the position.

• Responsible for maintaining a clean kitchen, including utensils and equipment used throughout the day. Ensures that all equipment is stored in proper locations and in proper containers according to State code.

• Monitors and assists in kitchen operations to ensure that all local, state, and federal sanitation and safety requirements are fulfilled. The cook ensures a safe and efficient working environment is maintained.

• Follows federal guidelines of minimum and maximum food requirements to avoid cross contamination and food borne illnesses.

• Follow non-metro AAA, City, State & Federal policies and procedures.

• Attends training and implements any necessary changes with approval from Senior Citizen Manager.

• Maintains and implements hygiene practices for the kitchen area, to include but not limited to proper personnel equipment (PPE).

• Responsible for completing any paperwork and/or forms (i.e. daily meals variance, daily usage forms for food, supplies and chemical items, temperature logs for the storage areas).

• Using excellent customer service skills establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials, and all members of the general public.

• Responsible for training and supervising food service personnel.

• Responsible for food preparation, service of the meals, and clean-up of the dining room and kitchen.

• Responsible for the preparation of the Congregate Meal and Meals on Wheels programs.

• Cleans and maintains the kitchen.

• Maintains daily, weekly, and monthly reports as required.

• Responsible for menu development and ordering supplies.

• Maintains and manages food inventory.

•  Receives incoming shipments; assists in unloading trucks and ensures inventory is managed using the FIFO method.

• Attendance at work is an essential function of this position.

• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Two years’ experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate of Applied Science Certification in Culinary Arts.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

• ServSafe Certification.

• Certified in CPR and First Aid.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Operator’s License.

·         Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid Certifications within six (6) months of hire date.

·         Required to attend a Defensive Driving course during orientation/first day of employment.

CERTIFICATIONS- The City will provide for the following certifications if not held:

• CPR and First Aid

• ServSafe Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of food preparation for large groups of people.

• Knowledge of New Mexico Environmental Improvement Division (NMEID) food service regulations pertaining to health and safety procedures.

•  Knowledge of proper cleanup procedures in response to bio-hazardous materials in conjunction with blood borne pathogens.

• Knowledge of nutrition as it applies to the nutritional needs of senior citizens.

• Knowledge of appropriate cleaning methods for commercial kitchens and materials.

• Ability to follow proper safety and health measures.

• Ability to drive vans for pick-ups of senior citizens and supplies.

• Ability to keep accurate records and compile information into report form.

• Must have a friendly disposition and caring attitude toward senior citizens.

• Ability to provide direction and instruction to staff.

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other City personnel and the public.

• Ability to operate commercial kitchen tools and equipment.

• Ability to work under stress and handle stressful situations.

• Ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to follow directions and work as a team.

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed in a commercial kitchen setting.

• Work Schedule – 5:00 am – 1:00 pm. May work a varied schedule depending on needs of the site.

• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Must meet a number of deadlines.

NOTE:  This position is subject to drug testing both pre-employment and random as set forth in the City of Las Vegas Drug Policy.