Cook Helper

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is a vital agency committed to protecting and promoting the safety and well-being of children and families within New York City. As a comprehensive social services organization, ACS administers child welfare and juvenile justice services, along with community support initiatives designed to strengthen family stability and child development. The agency oversees community-based supports and foster care services, ensuring that children in vulnerable situations receive the care and assistance they need. ACS also provides subsidized childcare vouchers to support families in accessing quality childcare. Within the realm of child protection, ACS staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment, working diligently to safeguard at-risk children. Additionally, ACS manages juvenile justice programs, overseeing detention centers, placement services, and community programs aimed at rehabilitating youth and supporting their positive growth.

The Division of Administration within ACS plays a critical role in supporting all agency operations by delivering essential administrative services and maintaining efficient operational functions. This division employs approximately 463 public employees and manages a combined budget that supports personnel services as well as other operational expenditures such as building maintenance, real estate management, construction supervision, facility and custodial services, occupational safety, security, transportation, and print production. The Division ensures that the ACS mission can be achieved with the necessary infrastructure and resource support.

Within the Division of Administration, the Food and Nutrition Services Unit oversees a $5 million budget dedicated to providing nutritious meals for children and youth under the agency’s care during fiscal year 2024. The Unit operates full-service kitchens serving three meals and snacks daily at secure juvenile detention centers including the Crossroads and Horizon Secure Juvenile Detention Centers, as well as the Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center congregate facility. The unit’s mission extends beyond basic meal service to include collaboration with children, youth, and care providers in addressing behavioral factors related to food and dietary needs. Specialized menus are developed to accommodate various food allergies along with medical, religious, and cultural dietary restrictions, ensuring all youth receive appropriate and sensitive nutrition. Additional responsibilities include managing meal card distribution and vending machine operations across ACS facilities and coordinating food services for staff and youth events in compliance with city directives.

The role of Cook Helper at ACS is a full-time position dedicated to assisting in the preparation and service of food within institutional settings according to New York City Food Standards and Executive Order 122. Reporting directly to the Senior Cook and Cook, the Cook Helper plays a key part in maintaining sanitary food handling procedures and delivering courteous service to staff, residents, and youth within the care system. The position requires knowledge of applicable sanitary codes, food handling best practices, and cleaning protocols. Consistent, reliable performance from Cook Helpers contributes significantly to providing both physical nourishment and emotional well-being to the children and youth served by ACS. The work environment demands attention to cleanliness, portion control, inventory management, and security of food supplies and storage areas. By supporting the Food and Nutrition Services Unit, the Cook Helper helps ensure children and youth in ACS facilities receive safe, healthy food within welcoming dining environments. This supportive role is crucial in sustaining the broader mission of ACS, ensuring that every meal served fosters well-being and respect for the diverse needs of vulnerable populations under the agency’s care.