**Title**: Cookery Specialist

**Reports To**: Site Coordinator

**Hours Per Week**: 30 Hours (part-time)

**Location**: White Plains, NY

**Pay Range**: $17-19 per hour

**_Join our Team_** Join us at The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA), where our mission is to promote mental wellness through advocacy, community education, and direct services. We empower individuals and families on their unique journeys to recovery, honoring their rights to self-determination, choice, and collaboration. With evidence-based practices and a focus on trauma-responsive care, our dedicated team provides comprehensive services to thousands and fosters independence and resilience with

**Summary Description**: The **_Cookery Specialist _**plays a vital role in the Sterling Community Center's (SCC) mission by assisting with the preparation and serving of meals in SCC's café, as well as maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen and café areas. The Sterling Community Center (SCC) is a peer-professionally run, recovery-oriented facility located in White Plains, NY, that offers an array of classes, volunteer work, social activities, and one-on-one assistance for adults diagnosed with behavioral health conditions. The Cookery Specialist contributes to a recovery-oriented, person-centered environment, working with a trauma-informed philosophy in alignment with the values of the Mental Health Association of Westchester.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen and café areas, including equipment.
- Plan and write menus as needed.
- Assist in the preparation of meals and snacks under the guidance of kitchen staff.
- Wash, peel, and chop vegetables and fruits for meal preparation.
- Assist in storing and organizing food supplies and ingredients.
- Set up serving stations and ensure they are well-stocked during mealtimes.
- Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure timely and efficient meal service.
- Follow established recipes and portion sizes for food preparation.
- Operate kitchen equipment such as dishwashers and food processors.
- Adhere to health and safety regulations and food handling guidelines.
- Perform other related duties as required.

**Key Competencies**:

- Experience working in a food service environment.
- Knowledge of safe food preparation and kitchen maintenance.
- Proficiency in performing preventative and general maintenance on kitchen equipment.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, and a kind, caring approach toward SCC participants.

**Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**:

- Maintenance of clean and sanitary kitchen and café facilities.
- Timely and efficient meal preparation.
- Positive feedback from participants and staff regarding meals and café services.
- Adherence to safety and hygiene standards in food preparation.

**Requirements**:

- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- 5+ years of experience preparing meals for groups of 20+ individuals.
- Must be Safe SERV certified (preparation, allergens) or be willing and able to become certified within 3 months from the date of hire
- Reliability and ability to work independently while maintaining confidentiality.
- Thorough knowledge of food safety procedures.
- Peer Certification (preferred)
- Clearance through NYS Justice Center, including fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
- Clearance by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Staff Exclusion List (SEL) and the New York State Medicaid Exclusion List.
- Clearance by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
- Legal eligibility to work in the United States.

**Special Considerations**: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work in a fast-paced environment.

**Employee Classification**: Part-time (30 hours per week); non-exempt; onsite position

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