Job Description

At Heartspring, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our team supports children and young adults with developmental, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities through education, therapy, residential living, and community services. We're looking for an experienced Cafeteria Cook who is passionate about preparing nutritious meals while creating a safe, welcoming dining experience for the students we serve.

• Location: Wichita, KS
• Position: Part-Time Cafeteria Cook, Food Service Cook
• Schedule: Saturday & Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Every Other Friday & Monday: 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Requirements: 3+ years of experience in a school cafeteria, commercial kitchen, hospital, nursing home, long-term care (LTC), institutional kitchen, restaurant, or food service environment.

What You'll Do

As a Cafeteria Cook, you'll prepare nutritious meals while ensuring food quality, safety, sanitation, and outstanding customer service for students living in our residential program.

Meal Preparation & Food Service

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals following KSDE meal program standards, approved menus, recipes, and portion guidelines.
• Prepare therapeutic and modified diets to meet specialized nutritional needs.
• Operate in a commercial heat-and-serve kitchen environment while maintaining food quality and consistency.
• Ensure meals are served accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain attractive food presentation and appropriate portion control.

Food Safety & Kitchen Operations

• Maintain compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and health department regulations.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, dishes, utensils, food preparation surfaces, and workstations.
• Assist with dishwashing and overall kitchen cleanliness.
• Maintain organized food storage areas and proper food rotation.

Inventory & Kitchen Management

• Monitor food inventory and stock levels.
• Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies.
• Help reduce waste while maintaining adequate inventory.
• Complete equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.

Teamwork & Customer Service

• Work closely with the Nutrition Services Manager, clinicians, and fellow kitchen staff.
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments.
• Provide exceptional customer service while supporting a positive dining experience.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all Heartspring policies and procedures.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 3+ years of cooking experience in a school cafeteria, hospital, nursing home, long-term care (LTC), commercial kitchen, restaurant, institutional kitchen, or food service environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain KSDE-required food safety certification and continuing education requirements.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with inventory management and food ordering systems.
• ServSafe® Food Handler or Food Manager Certification.
• Experience preparing therapeutic, modified, or special diets.

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

• Strong knowledge of food preparation, food production, sanitation, and food safety.
• Understanding of HACCP principles and infection prevention.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced commercial kitchen.
• Excellent organization, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Dependable with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and digital inventory or ordering systems.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in an indoor commercial kitchen within a residential school environment.

Responsibilities include:

• Working in refrigerated and temperature-controlled food preparation areas.
• Frequent use of commercial kitchen equipment and food service tools.
• Following all food safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Apply today and help nourish possibilities—one meal at a time.

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