At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Your Mission in Action

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals according to the planned schedule while ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. This role maintains a clean, sanitary, and organized kitchen environment in compliance with agency policies, licensing standards, and all federal, state, county, and local regulations. The Cook also follows proper food handling procedures to support a safe and efficient food service operation. 

• Prep, prepare, and serve meals according to proper preparation methods, ensuring compliance with National School Lunch Program (NSLP) guidelines; calibrate thermometers before meal preparation and use proper tools and techniques to maintain food safety and quality in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations 
• Monitor all cooking, storage, and working areas to ensure safety and proper sanitation while maintaining fresh food products and disposing of refuse appropriately; receive, store, and stock food items and supplies upon delivery;  clean, sanitize, and properly store all kitchen equipment, dishes, and utensils daily, ensuring compliance with department standards and safety guidelines 
• Maintain kitchen equipment in good working condition and follow prescribed cleaning procedures after each shift 
• Assist the Kitchen Manager with maintaining an appropriate food supply by tracking inventory, meal planning, and creating shopping lists, and help with purchasing food and supplies as needed 
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, other departments, volunteers, and vendors to ensure the food service program meets residents' needs and maintains high-quality standards; provide respectful and friendly service when serving meals to youth, fostering a positive dining experience 
• Complete all required documentation accurately and in a timely manner, as well as report any issues related to youth, safety, or sanitation concerns to the Kitchen Manager promptly 
• Maintain all mandatory training and required licenses for food preparation in compliance with NSLP guidelines and all federal, state, and local regulations 
• Other duties and projects as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications

•  Must be 21 years of age or older per licensing requirements 
• Current Food Manager’s permit/certification OR Food Handler’s permit/certification if a current kitchen staff member holds a Food Manager permit/certification OR ability to obtain within two weeks of date of hire  
• 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 written and communication skills  
• Strong people and interpersonal skills with the ability to work diverse groups of people  
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook  

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) months in food service or kitchen experience  

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 30%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more  
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time 
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children 
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time in units/cottages which are areas where children reside 
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 125 lbs. 

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, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.