About Upbring 

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About our Children's Shelters

Many children begin life in the face of serious challenges. Instead of playing pretend and imagining grand adventures, unaccompanied children face perilous conditions alone as they travel to unfamiliar countries, leaving home and loved ones behind to escape war and violence. Our children’s centers, operated through a grant from the Office of Refugee and Resettlement (ORR), provide safety, stability and wraparound services. We help children grow into adults who have received love and kindness, instead of only violence and chaos.

What You'll Do As A Cook

The primary job duty of the Cook is to prep, prepare, and serve meals according to the planned meal schedule and maintain a clean, sanitized, and safe work environment in accordance with Agency policies, licensing standards, and other federal, state, county, and local regulatory requirements. 

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders in the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family.

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Welfare

Cook Work Standards 

• Prep, prepare, and serve planned meals according to proper preparation methods
• Prepare meals and delivery of meals in accordance with the National School Lunch Program (NSLP); use proper tools and methods to calibrate thermometers prior to the start of meal preparation
• Ensure the proper amount of food is available for scheduled meal service
• Monitor all cooking, storage, and working areas to ensure they are safe and properly sanitized
• Properly dispose of refuse; assist with the management of maintaining fresh food products
• Put away and properly store and stock food items and supplies upon delivery
• Strip, wash, and sanitize cooking equipment, dishes, and utensils and per department standards and put away in proper place daily; ensure all kitchen areas, dishes, and related equipment is cleaned and sanitized after each shift; use cleaning products as prescribed and in accordance to safety guidelines
• Ensure all kitchen and related equipment is cleaned, sanitized, and is always good operating condition
• All other duties and special projects as assigned

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

• Assist other kitchen staff with the serving of meals; control portions to eliminate waste and leftovers; properly label, date, and store leftovers
• Assist the Kitchen Manager with maintaining an appropriate food supply (inventory), making shopping lists and meal planning
• Assist with making a shopping list and shopping of needed food items and supplies
• Report any problems or issues with youth or safety and sanitization concerns to the Kitchen Manager in a timely manner
• Under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager ensure operations are effectively and efficiently supporting and meeting the health and nutritional needs of the residents and the program is meeting established goals and objectives

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, other departments (programs), volunteers, and vendors to ensure the program is meeting the needs of the residents and the program is providing a quality food service program
• Work as a team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community

Cook Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Current Food Manager’s permit/certification OR Food Handler’s permit/certification if a current kitchen staff member holds a Food Manager permit/certification
• Prior food services or kitchen experience
• Working knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures required by city, state, and county health department regulations
• Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to work diverse groups of people

Cook Preferred Qualifications

• 6 months to 1-year prior experience in food service or kitchen experience

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services 
• Discounted Gym Memberships 
• Donated Leave Program 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions for a Cook

• This position requires constant bending, kneeling, twisting, stretching, and reaching, frequent walking, sitting, and standing for long periods of time.
• Position works in a child facility and will have constant exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 100 lbs.

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging  

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.