Job Description

Job Location Academy (West Harlem) - New York, NY 10031 Position Type Full-Time Non-Exempt Salary Range $25.00 - $27.00 Hourly

Title: Cook II

Unit: Food and Nutrition

Reports to: Chef Manager

Status: Full-Time; Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $25 - $27 per hour

Location: Harlem/Other locations as needed

Days/Hours: Tuesdays - Saturday 9am - 5pm; Evenings and weekends may be required based on program needs

Organization Overview:

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation’s preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $90 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year.. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled individual who is passionate about crafting healthy and delectable meals. The ideal candidate possesses a robust understanding of flavor profiles, menu development, and excels in customer service. This role is perfect for those with extensive experience in restaurant cooking, catering, food demonstrations, and the ability to effectively communicate and educate others about healthy cooking. The position demands a strong grasp of meal production, including the preparation of full meals with or without recipes, along with proficiency in large batch cooking. Creativity, knowledge of various cuisines, and the capability to create meals with minimal direction are highly valued in an ideal candidate. While standardized recipes are typically followed, we welcome individuals who relish the opportunity to cook nutritious and delicious meals tailored to diverse tastes.

Core Competencies:

Mission and Fit Embodies Fortune’s mission and values and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune’s core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Customer Service Skills: Positive Attitude: Ability to interact with customers in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner. Serve residents and/or clients respectfully and with dignity.

Problem Solving: Skill in addressing customer complaints and resolving issues effectively.

Communication: Clear and effective communication with customers, including listening to their needs and providing accurate information about menu items.

Food Safety, Hygiene and Preparation: Sanitation Practices: Knowledge of and adherence to proper food safety and sanitation practices, including handwashing, cleanliness, and safe food handling.

Food Preparation: Cook nutritious meals in adherence to NYC Food Standards and Safety Regulations and menus/recipes set forth by the Chef Manager. Possess knowledge of culinary terms and techniques, especially those increasing the client satisfaction of meals. Uphold food quality standards by ensuring consistency in recipe execution across locations.

Teamwork and Collaboration: Cooperation: Ability to work well with other staff members, including kitchen, front-of-house teams and line/managerial social service staff. Collaborate with Cook Supervisor and the team for inventory, procurement, and necessary paperwork, such as temperature logs. Support: Willingness to assist colleagues and support team goals, including covering shifts or helping during busy periods. Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and dependability as a team player in the kitchen culture

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Cook delicious meals in adherence to menus, recipes, and nutrition standards set by New York City, Director, and food safety regulations.

• Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen space and equipment.

• Serve residents and/or clients respectfully, as needed.

• Uphold food quality standards by ensuring consistency in recipe execution across locations.

• Collaborate with Cook Supervisor and the team for inventory, procurement, and necessary paperwork, such as temperature logs.

• Communicate food, supply, and equipment needs promptly.

• Possess knowledge of culinary terms and techniques, especially those enhancing the deliciousness of healthful foods.

• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and dependability as a team player in the kitchen culture.

• Contribute to an organized, clean, and sanitary working environment, adhering to departmental and governmental regulations.

• Assist in other Fortune Fresh program areas as required.

• Cover the Community Chef position when needed.

• Exemplify the organization's mission and code of conduct.

• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Diverse experience in cooking and food preparation, ranging from large batch cooking to catering.

• NYC Food Protection certification required.

• Servsafe certification preferred but not required.

• 8-10 years of professional cooking experience.

• Experience or training in nutrition and culinary arts.

• Ability to incorporate good nutrition into the cooking process.

• Creativity and awareness of food trends, tailoring food to appropriate audiences is desirable.

• Dynamic personality with excellent presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills.

• Ability to work in multi-cultural settings with diverse populations.

• Knowledge of NYC Food Standards is preferred but not required.

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Physical Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.