Job Description

Job Title: Cook, Starting Pay $15.00/HR

Location: Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Department: Recovery Services

Employment Type: Part-time

Join our dedicated team as a Cook in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in recovery. We're seeking a compassionate, skilled individual to prepare nutritious meals for our clients. Your culinary expertise will directly contribute to the well-being and healing of those we serve. If you have a passion for cooking, attention to detail, and a desire to help others, this role offers an opportunity to blend your culinary skills with a mission-driven purpose.

As a Cook, you'll be responsible for preparing and serving meals according to established menus and nutritional guidelines. You'll work in a supportive environment, collaborating with a team dedicated to providing high-quality care. This role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to follow food safety protocols, and a commitment to creating a positive dining experience for our clients.

Poplar Bluff, known as the "Gateway to the Ozarks," offers a blend of small-town charm and outdoor recreation opportunities. With its proximity to the Mark Twain National Forest and the Current River, residents enjoy fishing, hiking, and water activities. The community boasts a rich cultural heritage, affordable living, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal place to live and work.

The Cook position offers…

• Employee Assistance Program – 24/7 counseling services, legal assistance, & financial consultation for you and your household at no cost
• Workplace Culture - An environment cultivating employee wellbeing, valuing each individual's humanity, and actively promoting healthy, joyful workforce engagement
• Opportunity to make a positive impact on clients' recovery journeys
• Collaborative team environment in a supportive workplace
• Chance to utilize and enhance culinary skills in a meaningful setting

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals according to established menus and USDA guidelines
• Accommodate dietary restrictions by creating alternative meals when necessary
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen, equipment, and dining areas
• Track and log food temperatures, refrigerator/freezer usage, and meal substitutions
• Minimize food waste and efficiently manage inventory
• Coordinate daily menu preparation, including thawing and preparing frozen meats
• Communicate effectively with coworkers and other departments to meet client needs
• Assist in menu planning and provide input on nutrition and resident observations
• Prepare food for special events as requested
• Maintain a positive and supportive attitude towards clients

Education and/or Experience Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of one year of employment history
• Basic understanding of nutrition is beneficial

Required License/Certification (one of the following):

• ServSafe Certification (must be obtained upon hiring)

Additional Qualifications:

• Must provide evidence of being free from infectious and contagious diseases (e.g., TB test) prior to employment and annually thereafter
• Valid driver's license and successful completion of background check required
• Ability to complete First Aid training
• Hepatitis A vaccination required prior to handling food products (for St. Louis area staff)
• Physical ability to perform heavy work, including lifting up to 100 pounds occasionally and 20 pounds frequently
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities

Keywords: Cook, Food Service, Culinary, Nutrition, Recovery Services, Meal Preparation, Food Safety, Dietary Restrictions, Kitchen Management, Hospitality

Position Perks & Benefits:

Paid time off: full-time employees receive an attractive time off package to balance your work and personal life

Employee benefits package: full-time employees receive health, dental, vision, retirement, life, & more

Top-notch training: initial, ongoing, comprehensive, and supportive

Career mobility: advancement opportunities/promoting from within

Welcoming, warm, supportive: a work culture & environment that promotes your well-being, values you as human being, and encourages your health and happiness

Brightli is on a Mission:

A mission to improve client care, reduce the financial burden of community mental health centers by sharing resources, a mission to have a larger voice in advocacy to increase access to mental health and substance user care in our communities, and a mission to evolve the behavioral health industry to better meet the needs of our clients.

As a behavioral and community mental health provider, we prioritize fostering a culture of belonging and connection within our workforce. We encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences, as we believe that a rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens our mission. If you are passionate about empowering local communities and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we invite you to join our mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating an authentic workplace.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Preferred Family Health Care is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.