Lead Cook

Job Description

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.