Cook

Community Access was founded in 1974 to provide housing and support for people being discharged from psychiatric institutions. Today, we are one of the leading providers of supportive and affordable housing in New York City, and the originators of an integrated housing model which has become a best practice nationally: affordable housing where families live alongside people living with mental health concerns. Our staff work daily to support thousands of New Yorkers through supportive and affordable housing, peer-driven residential crisis support programs, training, advocacy, supported education, mobile treatment and other healing-focused services. 

Program/Department Description

The Housing department provides permanent and affordable supportive housing for individuals living with mental health concerns and low-income community residents and families, as well as licensed transitional residential programs for individuals moving from institutions into the community. Services are geared towards assisting people in maintaining their housing and moving forward with their lives in stable community-based environments.

Position Overview

The Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking food that meet the DOHMH and HASA guidelines and tenant specific dietary needs; maintaining a sanitary and safe kitchen that meets the relevant federal and state health department standards and codes for proper food storage, handling and preparation; and, maintaining routine record-keeping duties (menus, records on meals served, etc.).

Key Performance Indicators

• Ensure that all food (meals and snacks) ordered and prepared meet the DOHMH and HASA nutritional standards.
• Maintain up-to-date Food Handlers and other required certifications.
• Set aside and label HASA meals as per protocol; ensure that meals for the Community Residences is prepared and sent as scheduled.
• Report all safety hazards, kitchen equipment malfunctions and pest concerns immediately.
• Complete all menus and reports on time.

Job Qualifications

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access.
• Graduate of a cooking school preferred
• Have New York City Department of Health Food Handler’s certificate.
• Five years minimum experience working in a kitchen setting as a cook.
• Previous supervisory experience preferred.
• Previous customer experience preferred.
• Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have a assertive approach to problem solving.
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs.
• Show initiative and be responsible for follow through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared through a background clearance process.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred. Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent on specific needs of program participants.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs.

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V.

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as having a personal experience using 

mental health services. www.communityaccess.org

Thursdays and Fridays 9am-5pm