Cook

YWCA Minneapolis is a distinguished nonprofit organization committed to advancing racial and gender equity through comprehensive and inclusive education and community programs. As a long-standing pillar in the Minneapolis community, the YWCA strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where diversity is celebrated and meaningful change is fostered. This organization operates with a clear mission: to empower individuals and families, dismantle systemic barriers, and promote social justice for marginalized groups. YWCA Minneapolis serves thousands annually through various initiatives ranging from shelter and advocacy to early childhood education, health and wellness programs, and economic empowerment. Their commitment to equity and inclusion is deeply embedded in their culture and work, making them a highly respected and impactful institution in the region.

The role of Cook within YWCA Minneapolis’s Early Childhood Education program is integral to nurturing the health and well-being of the children in their care. This full-time position, which offers an hourly pay range of $18 to $20, involves preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious meals such as breakfast, lunch, and snacks aligned with the stringent Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The Cook ensures all meals meet relevant nutrition and food safety standards while adapting menus to accommodate food allergies and special dietary requirements. The role also includes managing kitchen inventory by ordering food and supplies efficiently to keep operations cost-effective while maintaining impeccable cleanliness and adhering to health and safety regulations within the kitchen environment.

Beyond meal preparation, the Cook supports the overall early childhood education setting by occasionally collaborating with classroom staff, fostering a nurturing and safe environment that encourages healthy development in children. This role demands a dependable, detail-oriented professional who takes pride in providing high-quality meals that contribute positively to child development outcomes. Core competencies essential to success in this position include a strong understanding of nutrition and food safety, accountability in managing kitchen tasks with minimal supervision, and the ability to adapt flexibly within a team-oriented, child-focused environment.

Candidates for this position must have at least a High School Diploma or GED and be willing to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of hire, along with Food Protection Manager Certification within 90 days. Completion of CACFP Basics training is also required. Preferred qualifications include current certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Food Protection Manager Certification, as well as practical experience in cost-effective food purchasing, kitchen operations, and at least one year of cooking experience in school or childcare settings.

Joining YWCA Minneapolis means becoming part of a movement committed to social justice and community betterment. This role is more than a job; it is a chance to contribute meaningfully to building equitable futures through dedicated service and supportive action within an organization that values inclusion, diversity, and equity in all aspects of its work. The YWCA stands as an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, actively promoting an innovative and inclusive workplace that changes lives for the better.