*THE SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE OFFERED A SALARY BETWEEN $36,327.00 - $41,388.00*


The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care services. In child welfare, ACS contracts with private nonprofit organizations to support and stabilize families at risk of a crisis through preventive services and provides foster care services for children not able to safely remain at home. Each year, the agency’s Division of Child Protection conducts more than 55,000 investigations of suspected child abuse or neglect. In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds services including detention and placement, intensive community-based alternatives for youth, and support services for families. In early care, ACS coordinates and funds programs and vouchers for close to 100,000 children eligible for subsidized care.

Cooks prepares 3 meals a day, 365 days a year for children and youth. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Cook, the Cook is responsible in the preparation, cooking, baking and serving of food including baked goods, in an institution in accordance with the New York City Food Standards, Executive Order 122, and performing related duties. This position requires knowledge of sanitary codes applicable to meal preparation and food handling. The Cook must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers. Consistent and reliable Cooks are required to prepare food that provides physical nourishment and contributes a sense of emotional well-being. Trained Cooks are imperative to properly prepare, serve, and support feeding the additional meals and snacks that will be required daily under Raise the Age.

The responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Perform work of ordinary difficulty and responsibility in the preparation of food in an institution
- Preparation and cooking of food following Nutritionist instructions and using standard procedures and quantity recipes and equipment to comply with the New York City Food Standards, OCFS Regulations, and New York State Child Nutrition requirements
- Portion out food according to departmental standards and checking prepared food out of the kitchen to feeding areas
- Responsible for the cleanliness and order of the work area
- Direct and train Institutional Aids and contracted employees by example or instruction in food preparation and sanitation in order to ensure proper and timely meals and sanitary conditions
- Have all meals ready at the scheduled meal times, including breakfast for residents with early appointments, and scheduled pick-up of court lunches and prepared meals and food items for off-site meal service.
- Ensure that adequate amounts of food are prepared at all times, taking into account the morning census for residents plus staff count, the actual menu, and expected shrinkage.
- Bake items as required by the menu or for special occasions using standardized and approved recipes
- At the direction of the Supervisor and/or Nutritionist, provide special or therapeutic diets for residents; special or therapeutic diets should be prepared in exact accordance with instructions of the Nutritionist, Food Service Manager/Director, and/or medical department and should be served to the designated resident.
- Collect, collate, compile meal count and other unit activity information on to a form or report to provide information as requested
- Monitor and document that food is cooked, served, and held with safe temperature ranges
- Perform related duties and special projects as assigned

1. Two years of cooking experience. There are no formal educational requirements. However, candidates must be able to speak, read and write English and carry out simple instructions.

2. For Department of Correction and Department of Juvenile Justice only One year of experience in a correctional facility assisting in the cooking and preparation of food and performing related functions under the supervision of a Cook.

The preferred candidate will possess the following skills: - High school diploma/GED required - Good verbal and written communication skills - 2+ years’ experience as a cook in a restaurant or institutional setting - Able to read and follow standardized recipes - Strong knowledge of proper food handling procedures - Excellent customer service skills - Able to maintain professional relationship with clients, co-workers, and facility staff - Able to work as part of a team in a busy kitchen atmosphere - Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to lean, stoop, and bend - NYC Food Handler’s Certificate or Must be able to pass NYCDOH Food Handler’s Certificate Course within 30 days of employment

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.