Prep Cook

Job Position: Prep Cook / Line Cook

Wage: $20-$25.50 per hour

Hours: Monday to Friday. 6am - 3pm (after hours as needed)

Location: Downtown Chicago, IL

Job Summary

As one of our Food For Thought Lead Cooks, you will work assisting the Kitchen Manager with overseeing the chain of food preparation of all products in accordance to FFT standards or as specified by the Chef (Prep Lists: Wet pack, Dry Pack, Cold Garnish, Cold HDV).

You will complete all opening and closing tasks, complete prep lists in allotted time frame, while working efficiently and maintaining a clean orderly station.

Responsibilities

• Assigning daily work activities to kitchen staff and supervising the completion of tasks.

• Checking and controlling the proper storage of product and portion control.

• Ensuring all equipment in working areas is clean and in proper working condition.

• Visually inspecting, selecting, and using only food items of the highest quality in the preparation of all menu items.

• Assisting with producing accurate inventory.

• Labeling store properly, communicating to ask questions, and assisting with other lists as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2-year experience in culinary leadership roles.

• Knife skills and working knowledge of the fundamentals of cooking, kitchen equipment operation, safety, and sanitation.

• Basic mathematical skills necessary to understand recipes, measurements, requisition amounts and portion sizes.

• Effective organizational skills to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to read, write and understand the English language to review menus and prep lists.

• Must provide valid Food Handler or Food Service Manager Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work in a team, as well as on individual tasks.

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with other team members.

• Creativity and adaptability to challenges.

Why We're the Leaders

• Excellent training
• Employee Referral bonuses
• Flexible scheduling 
• Career advancement opportunities
• Competitive Pay
• Anniversary Milestone Incentives

Company Benefits & Perks

• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance – Includes Spouse and Domestic Partner Coverage (Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D) & Critical Illness Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

1. Mental Health, Relationship Conflicts, Child and Eldercare, Substance Abuse, Grief and Loss
   • Assistance for you and household members
   • In Person Sessions
   • Unlimited phone access

• Parental Leave – Equal benefits to Mothers and Fathers
• 401K Retirement Plan
• FFT University - Over 70 courses designed to enhance your skills in life and on the job to help your career growth.
• Employee Meal Plan
• Employee Discounts (Pet Insurance, Entertainment, Travel, Company Discounts, and much more).

Company Values & Culture

• Collaboration & Open Communication

• Diverse, Inclusive, Safe, and Motivating

• Our Triple Bottom Line – People, Product and Planet

• A Net Positive Organization

Grow with us - at Food For Thought, instruction, advice, and assistance are always readily available, which is why our average tenure is 5 years. The U.S. average is 4.3 years, while the Hospitality industry average is only 2 years

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to reach at or below the shoulder; lift and carry items up to 40 pounds for a moderate distance. The employee is required to use their hands to handle tools, grasp, and control objects. Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble items.

The employee is regularly required to talk, hear, move, reach, grab, and stand for long periods of time. As well as stooping, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders.

EEO Statement

Food For Thought provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all applicants and employees, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

E-Verify Participation

Food For Thought participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.

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