Cook (55533)

In this role youll do more than cook meals youll help create comfort connection and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager youll 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 youll 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 thats part of the fun.

While this role doesnt provide direct care to youth youll work around youth regularly and help create the kind of safe welcoming environment where people feel respected supported and cared for.

What Youll 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...

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

What We Provide...

We invest in peoplebecause when you thrive so do the communities we serve. At YSS youll find meaningful work strong support and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources
• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

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 IDEALCANDIDATE

• Haseducation 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 instabilityYour 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 youre ready to use it to uplift and empower others we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

Were YSSone of Iowas 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 were expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at .
• We value the unique backgrounds identities and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer were 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

Hiring Process...Heres what to expect:

• Apply Submit your application at We review your skills and experience
• Interview Phone video or in-person conversation
• References Well connect with 3 professional references
• Screening Background check driving record check and license verification if required
• Offer If its a match youll receive a formal offer through Paycom