Kitchen Prep Cook - Part-Time

Working closely with the Hot Production Coordinator, Cold Production Coordinator, Production Manager, and tray line team, the Prep Cook helps maintain workflow, supports leadership on the cook line and tray line, and ensures meals are prepared safely, accurately, and efficiently while maintaining AgeWell Services' standards for quality and customer service.

• Prepare ingredients, side dishes, vegetables, proteins, and other food items for daily and future meal production using standardized recipes and batch cooking methods.
• Assist in the preparation of food for both Hot Production and Cold Production programs to ensure production schedules are met.
• Prepare food according to standardized recipes while maintaining quality, consistency, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Support daily meal production to ensure meals are completed accurately and on schedule.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance

• Maintain strict compliance with HACCP principles, sanitation standards, and all local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
• Monitor and document food temperatures throughout preparation, cooking, holding, and cooling processes.
• Report food quality concerns, equipment malfunctions, or safety issues promptly to the Hot Production Coordinator or Production Manager.
• Ensure all workstations, equipment, and food preparation areas remain clean, organized, and sanitized throughout the workday.

Operational Support

• Assist the Hot Production Coordinator in coordinating cook line activities and maintaining production workflow.
• Provide operational support and leadership assistance on the tray line as needed to maintain production efficiency and quality standards.
• Monitor food replenishment needs and communicate production requirements to the Hot Production Coordinator and tray line staff.
• Assist with setup, breakdown, and cleaning of production equipment and work areas.
• Support catering, Freezer Favorites production, and other special projects as assigned.

Teamwork & Communication

• Work collaboratively with the Production Manager, Production Coordinators, tray line staff, and kitchen team members to support efficient daily operations.
• Communicate proactively regarding production schedules, food needs, workflow concerns, and operational priorities.
• Encourage teamwork, professionalism, and a positive work environment.
• Assist fellow team members as needed to ensure departmental goals and production deadlines are achieved.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform all other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience in healthcare, institutional food service, school nutrition, or commercial food production preferred.
• Previous cooking or food preparation experience preferred.
• ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Manager Certification preferred.

• This position requires frequent standing and walking throughout the workday. Regular bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling are required. Must be able to safely lift and carry up to 40 pounds on a regular basis.
• The employee works in a commercial kitchen environment with exposure to varying temperatures, including hot cooking areas, walk-in coolers, and freezers. Exposure to cleaning chemicals, commercial kitchen equipment, steam, and moderate noise levels is expected. The ability to safely operate food service equipment and consistently follow all food safety and sanitation procedures is required.