Cook - West End Wellness Center

The City of Alexandria, located in northern Virginia, is a vibrant and historic community bordering the District of Columbia, Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 residents and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria ranks as the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Known for its charming waterfront and rich history, Alexandria offers an exceptional quality of life and diverse opportunities for residents and professionals alike. The city's commitment to community wellbeing and public service is deeply embedded in its operations, fostering a supportive environment for both employees and residents.

The West End Wellness Center (WEWC) is a key part of Alexandria's Department of Community and Human Services, providing psychosocial rehabilitation programs centered around wellness and skill-building for individuals facing mental health challenges. WEWC plays an instrumental role in supporting clients by offering a range of programs designed to improve their quality of life, promote recovery, and empower them with valuable skills.

The Cook position at WEWC is pivotal in ensuring the nutritional and culinary needs of program participants are met effectively. This role involves preparing balanced, nutritious meals for groups ranging from 15 to 60 individuals daily, managing kitchen inventory, and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards required by the Department of Community and Human Services and the local Health Department. Beyond meal preparation, the Cook partners closely with clinical staff to teach clients important skills in meal planning, food preparation, and kitchen management. This educational aspect allows clients to gain independence and confidence in managing their nutrition and cooking, supporting their overall rehabilitation journey.

The work schedule typically runs Monday through Friday during business hours, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed to support program events and cater to client needs. The ideal candidate will be experienced in food preparation techniques, kitchen sanitation, and safety protocols, with a strong ability to follow both written and oral instructions. Physical ability to lift and maneuver kitchen equipment and supplies is essential.

In this role, the Cook will plan monthly menus in collaboration with the WEWC Team Leader and a consulting nutritionist to ensure meals are healthy and well-balanced. Responsibilities include grocery shopping, inventory management within refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas, as well as upkeep and sanitization of kitchen equipment and food preparation areas. The Cook must also adhere to dietary requirements by measuring and serving portions according to special diets and ensuring expired foods are properly labeled and discarded.

The Cook contributes to a broader mission through partnership with clinical teams by engaging clients in hands-on learning experiences related to cooking and kitchen maintenance. This collaboration not only supports client learning but also enriches the therapeutic environment of WEWC. Additionally, the Cook assists with catering requests when needed and substitutes menu items with nutritionally equivalent alternatives to accommodate client preferences and needs.

This position requires a high school diploma or GED, food handlers certification, and at least five years of experience in institutional food services. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and demonstrate bilingual skills in English and Spanish are a plus. Pre-employment screenings, including criminal background checks, child abuse and neglect registries, medical exams, drug testing, and verification of educational and certification credentials, are mandatory.

Working at the City of Alexandria and West End Wellness Center offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to community health and wellbeing. The role is well suited for a compassionate, organized, and skilled culinary professional who values education and client empowerment alongside high-quality food service delivery.