Lead Cook

Job Description

Location

N Street Village

1333 N Street NW

Washington, DC 20005

Rate of Pay

$24.00 - $27.00 per hour - DOE

Overview

The Lead Cook (LC) reports directly to the Food Services Manager (FSM) and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen during their shift. This includes ensuring food quality and consistency, delegating tasks, training junior cooks and client volunteers, managing food inventory, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, and actively participating in food preparation as needed. As a supervisory role, the Lead Cook must have strong culinary skills, experience with various cooking techniques, and the ability to lead and motivate a team. Excellent communication skills are essential for interacting effectively with clients, staff, directors, and administration. This position plays a critical role in supporting the mission of our organization, which serves unhoused women, by providing nutritious and high-quality meals in a collaborative and efficient kitchen environment.

Key Role Responsibilities

Prepares a variety of foods utilizing standardized recipes and various cooking methods while ensuring consistency and high quality

Maintains a clean and organized kitchen, following Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety protocols, and adheres to sanitation standards to prevent foodborne illness

Manages inventory and monitors food, chemical, and dry storage needs

Assigns tasks to cooks based on their skill level, monitors their performance, and addresses any issues that arise during the shift

Actively cooks dishes on the line, ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards

Implements menu changes and ensures all dishes are prepared consistently across different cooks

Monitors food stock levels, orders supplies, and manages food costs

Coaches and mentors junior cooks on proper techniques, food safety practices, and kitchen procedures

Inspects food before serving to ensure quality, presentation, and proper cooking temperatures

Enforces proper hygiene standards in the kitchen, including clean workstations and equipment

Collaborate with servers and the Health & Wellbeing Director to ensure smooth service and address client/resident concerns regarding food presentation and quality

Key Organizational Responsibilities

In addition to role responsibilities, every staff member has the following responsibilities as a part of their employment:

Models and reinforces the mission, vision and values of the Village:

Treats everyone with dignity and respect, including colleagues, clients, and vendors

Nurtures our community, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and mutual growth

Is open, honest, and constructive

Moves forward together and takes action together

Completes assigned trainings as required by N Street Village and in accordance with grant contractual requirements

Actively participates in performance improvement and advocacy activities that support the mission

Protects clients’ personal health information by maintaining compliance with HIPAA and other relevant health care-related IT security regulations

Responsibly manages resources, ensuring they are used with integrity, transparency, and care to maximize impact.

Demonstrates commitment to maintaining consistent attendance and punctuality, recognizing the importance of reliability in supporting the organization’s mission and operations.

Staff classified as essential personnel are expected to fulfill their responsibilities onsite, regardless of weather, emergencies, or other conditions, unless otherwise directed by leadership.

Performs other duties as assigned on an as-needed basis

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Minimum Qualifications

A current SERV Safe certificate is required.

A culinary arts certificate, an associate degree from a culinary school, or equivalent (2 years of professional cooking experience)

A solid foundation in cooking techniques

Substantial experience as a lead cook

A strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices

The ability to lead and train other kitchen staff

Prior supervisory experience

Hospitality, healthcare, or long-term care experience preferred

Qualifications and Competencies

General Culinary Skills

Proficiency in various cooking techniques (grilling, sautéing, roasting, etc.)

Knowledge of different cuisines and menu development

Excellent knife skills

Ability to prepare dishes with consistency and quality

Leadership

Delegates tasks effectively to volunteers (internal and external)

Assists in coaching and training new volunteers

Maintains a positive and productive team environment

Communication

Communicates clearly and concisely with volunteers, team members, and management

Provides feedback and instructions effectively

Addresses all service and line needs efficiently

Food Safety and Sanitation

Thoroughly understands food safety regulations and proper food handling practices

Maintains a clean and organized workstation

Monitors food temperatures and proper storage

Operational Management

Manages inventory and orders supplies

Optimizes workflow and efficiency in the kitchen

Identifies and addresses potential problems and finds solutions quickly

Adjusts to seasonal mandates

Assists with food service, if/when needed

Important Qualities

Attention to detail

Ability to multitask effectively

Strong work ethic and commitment to quality

Solution-finding skills

Adaptability to changing situations

Time-management skills

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

This role operates in a fast-paced, client-facing environment supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and may require frequent movement throughout program spaces.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs occasionally

Prolonged standing (up to 80%) with some walking and sitting

Frequent bending, reaching, stooping, and climbing

Use of manual dexterity for documentation and daily tasks

Requires clear communication, situational awareness, and visual acuity

Physical Requirements Hazards

May be exposed to infectious disease with little likelihood of harm if established procedures are followed.

Important Note

Employees may encounter individuals with complex health, behavioral health, or substance use needs. All duties are performed in accordance with trauma-informed and safety protocols to minimize risk.

N Street Village’s (NSV) goal is to ensure every woman in Washington D.C. has a safe place to call home. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our clients, and to our community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Full-time