Large Volume Cook

Spectrum Community Services enhances the quality of life for older adults and residents experiencing low income in Alameda County. For over 50 years Spectrum has continually developed and adapted our programs to meet the ever-changing, real needs of our community. These programs currently are: Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), and Weatherization, Fall Prevention, (senior injury prevention), and a Senior Nutrition Program including Meals on Wheels (home-delivered) and Senior Meals (congregate).

Spectrum Senior Meals provides nutritious, balanced meals to older adults following national guidelines. Each meal includes protein, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and dairy, ensuring seniors receive essential nutrients. Our mission goes beyond foodwe foster a sense of community, ensuring no senior is left hungry or isolated.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced cook to join our team. This role is vital in preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for seniors in our community. The ideal candidate is passionate about food service, adheres to safety and sanitation standards, and thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

The Cook prepares food following the planned and approved menus and recipes while following all Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and ServSafe principles.

Location: Hayward, CA (Central Kitchen)

We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because they don’t match every single bullet point – we suggest, please apply anyway. We don’t believe in a “perfect” candidate - if you believe this is a role that you’ll be excited to work in every day, want to be a part of a culture like ours, and show aptitude to learn while doing, please apply.

Primary Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation: cook and assemble meals according to planned menus, ensuring quality, portion control, and adherence to approved recipes and senior nutrition guidelines. Includes packing and labeling the correct amounts of food for the meal sites.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Follow all food safety regulations (HACCP principles and ServSafe principles), including proper storage, labeling, and temperature control. Complete cleaning procedures and maintenance of work areas.
• Inventory & Waste Management: Assist in monitoring food inventory, minimizing waste, and properly storing ingredients.
• Compliance: Adhere to local health department regulations, HACCP principles, ServSafe principles, and Spectrum Senior Meals’ policies and procedures.
• Equipment Use & Maintenance: Operate kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, steamers, slicers) and ensure proper maintenance and cleaning.
• Receive, label, date and store food and supply orders
• Daily washing of pots and pans
• Accurately maintain all required records/logs
• Work collaboratively with kitchen staff to meet daily meal production goals, adjusting to volume demands
• Attend all training sessions and staff meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned

The minimum qualifications, physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met or will be encountered by an employee while performing the primary responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

We Need Someone Who Has:

• Two years of cooking experience
• Current ServSafe Food Handler’s Certificate. Certification is required to continue employment.
• Current ServSafe Food Manager’s Certificate or obtain certification within 60 days of hire. Certification is required to continue employment.
• Ability to pass a human performance (physical abilities test) evaluation
• Ability to read, speak and write English fluently
• Ability to read packaging labels and instructions on cleaning products
• Culinary math skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume kitchen
• Strong teamwork and communication skills

Nice to Have:

• Prior experience in commercial or institutional cooking preferred
• Courses in food service operation, sanitation, and food preparation preferred
• Culinary degree or relevant certification is a plus
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese)
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification prior to start date (or must obtain within 6 months of hire). Certification must be from an accredited provider recognized by the organization (e.g., Red Cross, American Heart Association).

Dress Code

All ServSafe rules must be followed including:

• Fingernails are to be kept short. No false nails, nail polish, or false eyelashes allowed.
• No jewelry, such as necklaces, dangling earrings, watches, or bracelets.
• Only jewelry exceptions are plain metal band rings and small stud earrings.

Physical Demands

• This work requires the following physical abilities: climbing, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying and relocating 50lbs
• Finger dexterity for activities such as typing, use of the computer mouse, computer usage, recording money, grasping, repetitive motions
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus
• Handling kitchen equipment not limited to blazing hot ovens, blasting cold freezers, knives, and open flames
• Standing for long periods of time

Work Environment

• Noise level varies when working at the kitchen due to the use of the equipment
• Indoor work withstanding extreme temperatures, hot and cold in the kitchen
• Working in the kitchen involves potential hazards, including the risk of cuts from knives, burns from ovens and open flames, and the possibility of slips due to liquids

Vaccination Policy

To protect the health and safety of our team, clients, and community, vaccination against Influenza is mandatory for this role, while COVID vaccination is highly encouraged. Given the nature of this position, which involves working closely with vulnerable populations and interacting with the public, vaccination helps minimize the risk of preventable diseases and ensures a safe work environment. Employees who are not vaccinated due to medical or religious exemptions are required to wear a 3-Ply surgical mask, KN94, KN95, or N95 mask at all times while at work, including during interactions with clients and the public, from November 1 to April 30.

Founded in 1971, Spectrum Community Services is a registered, private non-profit organization that assists low-income individuals, families, and seniors in their efforts to live independently. We offerin partnership with local service organizationsa wide variety of community programs and services. Our long history of family tutorials and community outreach has advanced our mission of promoting our clients’ financial sustainability and improving the overall quality of their lives.