About the role
Are you someone who enjoys preparing quality meals that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others?
Do you take pride in maintaining high standards of food safety, cleanliness, and customer service while working in a fast-paced kitchen environment?
Would you like to build a rewarding career where your culinary skills directly support the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals with autism?
As a Cook at Anderson Center for Autism, you'll play an important role in providing nutritious, appealing, and well-prepared meals to the students, residents, and staff who rely on our Food Services team each day. Your work will help create positive dining experiences while supporting the overall health and wellness of the individuals we serve.
This is an excellent opportunity for a dependable culinary professional who enjoys working as part of a collaborative team, maintaining high standards, and contributing to a mission-driven organization. Whether preparing meals, assisting with special dietary needs, maintaining kitchen operations, or ensuring compliance with food safety standards, you'll play a vital role in helping Anderson's programs thrive.
What You Will Do as a Cook: * You will prepare and cook meals for students, residents, staff, and other individuals served by Anderson Center for Autism while helping ensure quality, consistency, and nutritional standards are maintained. * You will assist in planning, organizing, and preparing meals in accordance with established menus, recipes, dietary requirements, and food service guidelines. * You will prepare special diet meals and support individualized dietary needs to help ensure safe and appropriate meal service for all individuals. * You will prepare salads, desserts, snacks, condiments, and other meal components to support daily food service operations. * You will help maintain adequate food, supply, and ingredient inventories necessary to support meal preparation and service activities. * You will ensure all food preparation and kitchen operations comply with New York State Department of Health regulations and applicable food safety standards. * You will assist in coordinating kitchen operations and may provide guidance to kitchen staff to help ensure daily responsibilities are completed effectively. * You will support quality assurance efforts by completing production records, safety documentation, and other required operational reports. * You will help maintain a clean, sanitary, organized, and safe kitchen environment, including food preparation areas, equipment, storage areas, and dining support spaces. * You will assist with maintaining equipment, materials, and supplies necessary for efficient kitchen operations. * You will contribute to a positive dining experience that promotes health, well-being, and quality of life for the individuals we serve.
What You Can Bring to the Team: * A passion for food preparation and serving others. * Strong attention to cleanliness, food safety, and quality standards. * The ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment. * Strong organizational and time-management skills. * A team-oriented mindset and willingness to support coworkers. * The ability to adapt to changing priorities and meal service needs. * Dependability, professionalism, and a positive attitude. * Alignment with Anderson's mission, values, and Quality of Life philosophy.
The Qualifications We Seek: * High School Diploma or GED required. * At least one year of experience in large-scale food preparation, institutional food service, restaurant operations, or a related culinary environment required. * Knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices, and commercial kitchen operations preferred. * Ability to follow recipes, menus, dietary requirements, and food preparation procedures. * Strong organizational and communication skills. * Valid driver's license required. * Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
In Addition, We Expect That You: * Complete all required agency training programs. * Follow all food safety, sanitation, and infection-control procedures. * Maintain accurate kitchen records, production logs, and safety documentation. * Support a clean, organized, and compliant kitchen environment. * Demonstrate professionalism and respect in all interactions with coworkers, individuals served, families, and visitors. * Follow agency policies, procedures, and operational expectations. * Support Anderson's mission and commitment to quality service.
Anderson's QUALITY OF LIFE Expectation: To actively support Anderson's mission by promoting and enhancing the quality of life (QofL) of the individuals we serve through thoughtful, comprehensive, and person-centered practices.
A Benefits Package Designed to Optimize YOUR Quality of Life Too: * Up to 6 weeks of paid time off (starting in your first year!) * 403(b) retirement plan with employer match and annual contribution * Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans * Wellness program * Ongoing professional development * Discounted tuition at select colleges/universities * Scholarship program for those seeking educational experiences aligned with the role (*restrictions apply) * Invitations to staff appreciation events and experiences
And much, much more! To get a better understanding of the benefits that will be available to you, visit andersoncenterforautism.org/benefit.
Pay Range: $18.50 - $21.00 per hour; based on experience
Ready to Bring Your Purpose to Life? A bright future for you begins here at Anderson Center for Autism.
Open the door to a rewarding career with advancement opportunities; expand possibilities for yourself AND for individuals with autism, their families, your colleagues, our cause, and society as a whole!
Apply today. You'll contribute to a meaningful mission, now and for years to come!
Life as Part of our Anderson Center for Autism Team
If you are looking to build a career that brings you a deep sense of purpose and a high quality of life, Anderson Center for Autism might be just the landing place you've envisioned.
Here you will enjoy a supportive, friendly work environment that values your ideas and insights, provides rewarding mentorship experiences, and opens doors to new professional opportunities that can transform your journey.
And by working at Anderson, you will be part of a movement so much bigger than all of us. Founded over 100 years ago (in 1924), our award-winning, evidence-based educational, vocational, residential, clinical, and consulting/training programs have successfully optimized the quality of life for individuals with autism for decades now. In addition, we work every day to cultivate a broader culture of acceptance in society, further adding to the legacy of compassion for which we have come to be known throughout the country and around the world.
In addition to a rewarding career experience, as part of our team you'll also enjoy competitive pay, a generous retirement plan (including employer match and annual contribution), abundant vacation time, robust benefits, ongoing opportunities for learning and advancement, wellness programs, staff appreciation events, and a chance to work alongside wonderful professionals in a positive environment.
Our Mission at Anderson Center for Autism: To optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
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