Cook - PT

Job Details: Job Location: Ember Recovery Campus - Cambridge, IA, Position Type: Part Time, Education Level: High School/GED, Salary Range: Undisclosed, Travel Percentage: None, Job Shift: Any, Job Category: Direct Care - Residential Addiction Treatment, YSS is hungry — and we’re looking for a dependable, energetic Part-Time Cook to join the Nutrition Services team at our Ember Recovery Campus in Cambridge. Around here, food is more than just a meal — it’s a chance to help someone feel at home.

In this role, you’ll do more than cook meals — you’ll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager, you’ll help bring our meal program to life through food prep, cooking, menu support, kitchen organization, inventory, and food donation coordination — all while keeping food safety, sanitation, and quality top priority.

From the first chopped onion to the last clean pan, you’ll help keep the kitchen running smoothly and the meals coming out hot, nutritious, and delicious. One minute you might be plating lunch for a full dining room, the next organizing donations or teaching basic kitchen skills to participants. No two days are exactly the same — and that’s part of the fun.

While this role doesn’t provide direct care to youth, you’ll work around youth regularly and help create the kind of safe, welcoming environment where people feel respected, supported, and cared for.

The expected schedule for this position is flexible hours with some weekends.

What You'll Do...

Prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality meals that meet YSS standards and program guidelines
Assist with menu planning, food prep, inventory, food storage, and kitchen organization
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen, dining, and prep environment
Follow food safety, sanitation, risk management, and workplace safety procedures at all times
Support efficient meal production, service, and distribution operations
Complete records, logs, and documentation related to food safety, licensing, and program compliance
Help manage supplies and work within budget expectations
Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and participants during meal preparation and service
Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills
Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed
Participate in trainings, team meetings, and daily kitchen operations

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You’re the kind of person who can keep a kitchen moving, a meal tasting great, and your cool during the lunch rush. You’re organized, dependable, and not afraid to jump in wherever needed — whether that’s prepping ingredients, serving meals, or saving the day when someone forgot to thaw the chicken. You love good food, teamwork, and the satisfaction of feeding people well. Most importantly, you know a great meal can turn someone’s whole day around.

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees
Flu shots and mental health support resources
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

What We're Looking For...: We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

Required Qualifications - YOU MUST:

Have at least 1 year of experience in food prep, equipment operation, food storage, and record keeping
Be able to follow recipes accurately (and occasionally level them up)
Communicate clearly through conversation, instruction, and written notes
Stay organized and manage time, tools, and ingredients effectively
Work well with others and thrive as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications - YOU SHOULD HAVE:

High school diploma or equivalent
Food safety or culinary certifications (Food Handler, Food Manager, Allergen Awareness, ACF, etc.)
Professional cooking experience preparing and plating hot and cold dishes
Experience with a variety of cooking techniques and kitchen equipment
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, storage, and cooking temperatures
A willingness to learn, grow, and support others in the kitchen

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Has education in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Nutrition, or a related field
Truly loves cooking — people can taste the difference
Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative
Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...We communicate with applicants by email through our Paycom system. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). We may also send you text messages if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at [email protected]

Hiring Process...Here’s what to expect:

Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
Assessment – We review your skills and experience
Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom