Position works Monday through Thursday, working a total 35 hours per week. Paid vacation leave, sick leave, paid holidays and free membership to the city's aquatic and fitness centers.
Job Title:
Senior Center Cook
Job Type:
Full-Time
Location:
Senior Center – Bloomfield, NM
Job Summary
Under the close supervision of the Senior Services Director, the Senior Center Cook performs a variety of routine, semi-skilled, and skilled duties to support the operation of a senior center commercial kitchen. This position is responsible for preparing meals for congregate dining and Meals on Wheels, assisting with kitchen operations, supervising kitchen support staff as needed, and maintaining a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment. The role also includes general custodial duties and regular interaction with senior patrons.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare meals according to a pre-planned menu and specific nutrition guidelines for older adults
- Assist on the meal tray line to package and load meals, ensuring accuracy in total counts and special diet requirements
- Prepare and package Meals on Wheels for home delivery within established driver schedules
- Monitor, record, and maintain hot and cold food temperature logs and required daily, weekly, and monthly reports in compliance with Environmental Department regulations
- Operate a City vehicle as needed to assist with Senior Center business, including food deliveries to senior patrons
- Assist with food and supply inventories, food ordering, receiving deliveries, unloading, and restocking supplies
- Properly date, store, rotate, and utilize food and leftovers to minimize waste, including support of the frozen meal program
- Maintain sanitation, safety, and food preparation standards in accordance with local and state health department requirements
- Perform kitchen and custodial cleaning duties, including dishwashing, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning kitchen equipment, appliances, and storage areas
- Dispose of trash and food waste properly and recycle paper and metal waste daily
- Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, planned events, emergency drills, and safety activities
- Maintain excellent customer service with staff, volunteers, and senior patrons
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance
- Perform related duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Sufficient education to demonstrate the ability to perform required duties
- Previous cooking experience preferred, but not required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Ability to assist in managing a senior center kitchen in accordance with State of New Mexico AAA policies and procedures
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, volunteers, and senior citizens
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and repetitive movements
- Working knowledge of commercial kitchen equipment, cleaning methods, basic computer use, and office equipment
- Some knowledge of the special needs of senior citizens
Special Requirements
- Knowledge of food preparation and safe food-handling practices
- Caring, respectful, and service-oriented attitude toward senior citizens
- Ability to work under stress, meet deadlines, follow directions, and function as a team player
- Must possess a valid New Mexico driver's license with a good driving record (DMV record required)
- Ability to drive vans for senior transportation and supply pickups
- Must complete or be able to complete within two months of employment:
- American Red Cross Adult CPR
- Standard First Aid certification
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment with moderate noise levels
- Duties involve standing, walking, stooping, reaching, lifting, talking, hearing, and seeing
- Requires manual dexterity and the ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds
- Mental demands include attention to detail, following verbal instructions, emotional stability, and problem-solving
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities
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Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.
Background Check and Drug Test Disclaimer and Authorization
I understand that as a condition of employment with the City of Bloomfield, I will be required to undergo both a background check and a drug test. I must authorize the City of Bloomfield within the online application, by checking a box, to conduct a comprehensive background investigation to verify my personal, criminal, employment, and education history for employment purposes. I understand that the offer of employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of this investigation to the City's satisfaction. I also acknowledge that as a condition of employment, I must successfully pass a pre-employment drug and/or alcohol test. I understand that the City's drug and alcohol testing policy prohibits the illegal use of drugs and alcohol, and that I must not be under the influence of such substances on City's premises or while performing City business.
I understand that failure to submit to a required drug test, testing positive for illegal substances, or providing a false sample may result in the offer of employment being rescinded.
By checking a box within the online application, I will release the City of Bloomfield, its agents, and any contracted laboratory or physician from any and all claims and liability for damages or injuries that may arise from the administration and analysis of a drug/alcohol test or from any investigation of my background, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct. I have read and understand this statement and the associated policy. I agree to comply with the terms and conditions outlined herein by checking the box within the online application.