Nutrition Cook

Job Title: Cook

FLSA Status:Full-Time, Permanent, Non-Exempt

Work Schedule:40 hours per week

Department: Nutrition (400)

Reports to: Nutrition Operations Manager

GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB

The primary responsibility of this position is to prepare meals and support daily kitchen operations in alignment with organizational standards, nutritional guidelines, and food safety regulations. This includes preparation of meals for Home Delivered Meals, Meals on Wheels, Connections Café, visitors, staff, and others. The Nutrition Cook ensures consistency, cost‑effectiveness, and quality while following all requirements of Title III‑C of the Older Americans Act and Volume 10 of the Older Coloradoans Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares and cooks various types of food in accordance with approved menus and dietary requirements.
• Monitors the quality of raw and cooked food, as well as materials and supplies.
• Assists with food rotation and inventory levels to uphold product integrity.
• Coordinates the production of hot food for Home Delivered Meals, Meals on Wheels, Connections Café, and catered events.
• Assists with menu planning, recipe development, and recipe modifications to meet regulatory and dietary requirements.
• Estimates food, ingredients, and supply needs and associated costs.
• Inspects supplies, maintains equipment and work areas, and ensures adherence to standards.
• Demonstrates proper cooking techniques and equipment usage to staff, volunteers, and culinary students.
• Provides general guidance to staff, volunteers, and students in interacting with vendors, drivers, and the public.
• Performs additional tasks assigned, including dishwashing, floor maintenance, freezer organization, inventory management, food donation, opening and closing procedures, and driving.
• Modifies work procedures and processes as needed to meet deadlines.
• Supports special events as required.
• Additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

VOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT RESONSIBILITIES

Silver Key is a volunteer‑centric organization. This role interacts regularly with volunteers; the Nutrition Cook is responsible for showing appreciation for their service and offering guidance as needed.

DRIVING DUTIES

Will be required to drive on behalf of Silver Key Senior Services. Must maintain a current, valid Colorado Driver's License. Must maintain the state issued minimum automotive liability insurance coverage. Must observe and obey all federal, state, and local traffic laws. Responsible for the proper function and maintenance of any Silver Key vehicles used in performing assigned duties.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

• Knowledge of Silver Key Senior Services' mission, policies, procedures, business‑specific software, and safety regulations.
• Must successfully complete required drug screening and background checks, including Colorado Adult Protective Services (CAPS).

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three to five years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

DESIRABLE, PREFERRED, OR SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge/understanding of Health, Safety, Sanitation, Emergency rules and regulations.
• Experience in planning and food service operations management.

TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCY

Basic proficiency with office software, sanitation and cleaning technologies, learning management Systems, communication tools (e.g., instant messaging), time and attendance systems, food safety record‑keeping systems, inventory management software, POS or kitchen display systems, and must be able to enter data accurately with minimal errors.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to train small groups of volunteers.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common‑sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram‑form instructions. Able to address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must pass all required background checks, ServSafe basic certification required within 90 days of hire, and must maintain valid driver's license and insurance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires standing and walking for extended periods, must use hands and fingers for kitchen tasks, must be able to reach, talk, hear, taste, smell, and occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch, and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds of food or equipment.

VISION REQUIREMENTS

Position requires close, distance and peripheral vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Duties are performed in various settings, including the kitchen and desk areas. Noise levels are moderate due to kitchen equipment and volunteer traffic.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Silver Key values the growth and development of our full-time hourly employees. With supervisor approval, you can take advantage of various professional development opportunities to build your skills and advance your career. These opportunities are tailored to help you excel in your role and contribute more effectively to our mission of serving seniors.

• Mental Health First Aid
• Peer Support Certification
• Other Supervisor-Approved Trainings

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENT  • Must pass drug test and background check prior to hire and periodically during employment as determined by organization standards as well as State and Federal contracting requirements