Educational Alliance brings together and partners with diverse communities in Lower Manhattan, offering individuals and families high-quality, multi-generational programs and services that enhance their well-being and socioeconomic opportunities. We are a place where everyone is welcome and where progress is powered one relationship at a time. We are proud of our legacy as a Jewish organization and we provide high-quality, transformational services and programs to all New Yorkers through our network of community centers on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and East Village. As we have for 130 years, we offer best-in-class programming–now across 15 sites—focusing on a mix of education, health and wellness, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

The Role:

Under the supervision of the Chef, the Senior Assistant Cook supports the Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring efficient service and high-quality food. The Senior Assistant Cook must oversee daily tasks of the kitchen and implement collaborative practices within kitchen staff so that all prepared foods meet local, state and NYC Aging requirements as per health and sanitation department standards. The Senior Assistant Cook must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with kitchen colleagues, agency colleagues, and all members of the Sirovich Center for Balanced Living community. The Senior Assistant Cook implements the cycle menu and works alongside hired and volunteer food service staff in cooking and preparing a variety of culturally diverse foods on a variety of equipment according to the needs of daily production, execution of new recipes and NYC Aging regulations, and safe utilization of all kitchen equipment.

Responsibilities:

• The Senior Assistance Cook prepares and serves meals in compliance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines and within the guidelines for a NYC Aging kitchen.

• Estimates food preparation amounts for the daily preparation of the older adult meal program, including but not limited to breakfast, and lunch services for up to 300 daily participants, and has capacity to adjust recipes as needed to meet projected meal requirements and reduce waste.

• Must be able to organize and prioritize work routines and prioritize production schedules to ensure that food is prepared in a timely manner to match times set for meal service.

• Must ensure consistency of food quality and portion control to meet the needs of the client population.

• Must be able to deal with unexpected circumstances, equipment breakdown, staff shortages, and work alongside kitchen staff to find solutions so that food production and meal service is not impacted.

• Must be able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously; must be self-organizing, able to ensure food production while assessing requirements.

• The Senior Assistant Cook must collaborate with the Chef to ensure that all supplies are inventoried, ordered, stocked and properly stored. This includes food items, dishes and utensils, cleaning and cooking supplies, as well as maintaining and organize freezers, refrigerators, and other storage containers on a weekly basis following the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) method.

• Tracks and monitors records pertaining to temperature logs, refrigeration log, and sanitation schedule.

• Operates all equipment according to the manufacturer’s directions; especially safety guidelines. Notifies the Chef of any malfunctions or damage of equipment.

• Must possess the necessary interpersonal skills to be able to work harmoniously as a team with kitchen staff and other departments within the agency.

• Assists with review all deliveries for quality & accuracy with the Chef and the Dishwasher, as needed.

• Must adhere to kitchen complete uniform guidelines (utilize hairnet, gloves, appropriate shoes) and ensure kitchen staff compliance.

• The Senior Assistant Cook may take on additional responsibilities on behalf of the Chef in their absence.

• Attends and participates in mandated meetings and trainings as needed.

Requirements:

• Culinary degree preferred

• 3 years experience in food service

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including ability to work with a diverse staff and volunteers.

• Must be competent in various ethnic cuisines.

• Working knowledge of nutrition and the needs of older adults / seniors.

• Food Protection Certificate

• Understand, implement, and train staff, if needed, on Food Sanitation protocols

• Demonstrated ability to lead, instruct, and mentor staff and volunteers.

• Knowledge of basic math including calculations, fractions and percentages, understand written procedures, write documents, speak publically, understand written and oral multi step instructions, and utilize critical thinking.

• Skill based competencies required to perform functions of the job such as preparing and maintaining records, adherence to safety practices, planning and managing projects, operating equipment found in commercial kitchen and use of pertinent software applications.

• Ability required to schedule activities, gather and organize data, work with wide diversity of people and work as part of a team with staff and volunteers.

• Be able to work under direct supervision, within a defined budget.

• Work within physical demands of job, including lifting, standing, manual dexterity (knife skills) and under pressure.

• Able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting heavy items (up to 50 pounds), bending, walking, and standing for prolonged periods of time up to 5 hours a day.

• Able to work in hot, wet, humid and loud environment for long period of time.

• Ability to work safely with hot water, potentially slippery floors, garbage disposals and cleaning chemicals.

• Must have exceptional hygiene and grooming habits.

Benefits:

• Generous PTO Policy

• Competitive Salary

• Medical & Dental Insurance

• Pension Plan

• 403b Retirement Plans

• Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks.Etc

• Free Gym Membership to our Manny Cantor Center Gym & 14TH ST Y Gym

• Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.