Hayward
Job Description Job title: Temporary Cook Department: Senior Meals Program (SMP) Reports to: Senior Meals Program Manager Revised: December 2025 FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Pay: $26.50 - $33.50/hour (Standard non-temporary range: $25.00–$32.00/hour) General Description Spectrum Senior Meals provides nutritious, balanced meals to older adults following national guidelines. Each meal includes protein, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and dairy, ensuring seniors receive essential nutrients. Our mission goes beyond food—we foster a sense of community, ensuring no senior is left hungry or isolated. We’re looking for a dedicated and experienced temporary cook to join our team. This role is vital in preparing high-quality, nutritious meals for seniors in our community. The Cook prepares food following the planned and approved menus and recipes while following all Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and ServSafe principles. The ideal candidate is passionate about food service, adheres to safety and sanitation standards, and thrives in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This temporary position is Monday - Friday, scheduled from 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m with up to 40 hours a week. The role will continue through at least March 2026 and may shift to an on-call basis afterward. This is a non-benefited position, but we are offering a competitive rate to attract a strong candidate who is comfortable with a flexible end date. If a full-time opportunity becomes available, the pay rate would be adjusted to reflect the addition of benefits. If you have short-term flexibility, enjoy providing reliable service, and need some extra income for the holiday season, we’d love to hear from you! Location: Hayward, CA (Central Kitchen) We strongly encourage you to apply if you are from a marginalized or underrepresented group. Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because they don’t match every single bullet point – we suggest, please apply anyway. We don’t believe in a “perfect” candidate - if you believe this is a role that you’ll be excited to work in every day, want to be a part of a culture like ours, and show aptitude to learn while doing, please apply. Primary Responsibilities • Meal Preparation: cook and assemble meals according to planned menus, ensuring quality, portion control, and adherence to approved recipes and senior nutrition guidelines. Includes packing and labeling the correct amounts of food for the meal sites., • Food Safety & Sanitation: Follow all food safety regulations (HACCP principles and ServSafe principles), including proper storage, labeling, and temperature control. Complete cleaning procedures and maintenance of work areas., • Inventory & Waste Management: Assist in monitoring food inventory, minimizing waste, and properly storing ingredients., • Compliance: Adhere to local health department regulations, HACCP principles, ServSafe principles, and Spectrum Senior Meals’ policies and procedures., • Equipment Use & Maintenance: Operate kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, steamers, slicers) and ensure proper maintenance and cleaning., • Receive, label, date and store food and supply orders, • Daily washing of pots and pans, • Accurately maintain all required records/logs, • Work collaboratively with kitchen staff to meet daily meal production goals, adjusting to volume demands, • Attend all training sessions and staff meetings We Need Someone Who Has: • Two years of cooking experience, • Current ServSafe Food Handler’s Certificate. Certification is required to continue employment., • Current ServSafe Food Manager’s Certificate or obtain certification within 60 days of hire. Certification is required to continue employment., • Ability to pass a human performance (physical abilities test) evaluation, • Ability to read, speak and write English fluently, • Ability to read packaging labels and instructions on cleaning products, • Culinary math skills, • Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume kitchen, • Strong teamwork and communication skills Nice to Have: • Prior experience in commercial or institutional cooking preferred, • Courses in food service operation, sanitation, and food preparation preferred, • Culinary degree or relevant certification is a plus, • Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese), • CPR and First Aid Certification Dress Code All ServSafe rules must be followed including: • Fingernails are to be kept short. No false nails, nail polish, or false eyelashes allowed., • No jewelry, such as necklaces, dangling earrings, watches, or bracelets., • Only jewelry exceptions are plain metal band rings and small stud earrings. Physical Demands • This work requires the following physical abilities: climbing, bending, kneeling, twisting, reaching, standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying and relocating 50lbs, • Finger dexterity for activities such as typing, use of the computer mouse, computer usage, recording money, grasping, repetitive motions, • Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus, • Handling kitchen equipment not limited to blazing hot ovens, blasting cold freezers, knives, and open flames, • Standing for long periods of time Work Environment • Noise level varies when working at the kitchen due to the use of the equipment, • Indoor work withstanding extreme temperatures, hot and cold in the kitchen, • Working in the kitchen involves potential hazards, including the risk of cuts from knives, burns from ovens and open flames, and the possibility of slips due to liquids Vaccination Policy To protect the health and safety of our team, clients, and community, vaccination against Influenza is mandatory for this role, while COVID vaccination is highly encouraged. Given the nature of this position, which involves working closely with vulnerable populations and interacting with the public, vaccination helps minimize the risk of preventable diseases and ensures a safe work environment. Employees who are not vaccinated due to medical or religious exemptions are required to wear a 3-Ply surgical mask, KN94, KN95, or N95 mask at all times while at work, including during interactions with clients and the public, from November 1 to April 30. General Competencies Interpersonal • Strive for improvement in self and for Spectrum; make recommendations for improvements, • Respond timely to requests for information, service and assistance, • Demonstrate a positive and productive attitude; have an open mind and be objective, trustworthy, honest and ethical, • Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality, • Provide outstanding customer service to all internal and external customers, • Use and conserve organizational resources efficiently and effectively, • Prioritize and plan work activities, • Demonstrate consistency, reliability, accuracy and thoroughness, • Show respect and sensitivity toward cultural differences, • Promote a harassment and discrimination free environment, • Follow or exceed organizational standards A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. Company DescriptionFounded in 1971, Spectrum Community Services is a registered, private non-profit organization that assists low-income individuals, families, and seniors in their efforts to live independently. We offer—in partnership with local service organizations—a wide variety of community programs and services. Our long history of family tutorials and community outreach has advanced our mission of promoting our clients’ financial sustainability and improving the overall quality of their lives.Founded in 1971, Spectrum Community Services is a registered, private non-profit organization that assists low-income individuals, families, and seniors in their efforts to live independently. We offer—in partnership with local service organizations—a wide variety of community programs and services. Our long history of family tutorials and community outreach has advanced our mission of promoting our clients’ financial sustainability and improving the overall quality of their lives.