Lead Cook

Lead Cook – Urban Strategies

Employment type:

Full‑time

Location:

San Benito, TX

Pay: $24.50/hr (base rate)

Reports to:

Program Director, Refugio Unaccompanied Children Shelter

Work schedule:

Up to 6 days per week, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.

The Head Cook will plan, direct, and supervise shelter food service, providing three nutritious, economical meals a day and snacks twice a day for residents and staff while following Department of Health regulations.

Responsibilities include all aspects of food preparation and general kitchen cleanup.

• Food preparation for shelter youth during assigned shift. Maintain a flexible, organized, and efficient schedule (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Assist in menu preparation ensuring compliance with the American Dietetic Association, funding source, State licensing, National School Lunch Programs (NSLP), and US guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and hazard‑free dining room and kitchen facility at all times. Ensure compliance with health department standards.
• Assist in maintaining inventory for food purchases and equipment, including monitoring monthly waste control.
• Wash, peel, and cut various foods (e.g., fruits and vegetables) for cooking or serving.
• Ensure food is stored and cooked at correct temperatures by regulating ovens, broilers, grills, and roasters.
• Enter meals timely into NSLP database.
• Assist in custodial duties when needed.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned.
• Assist with transporting lunches.
• Follow corporate safety policy; participate in safety meetings and training.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.

The ideal candidate is self‑motivated, dedicated, and passionate about helping children, staff, and stakeholders. They are personable, energetic, and empathetic, able to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks to meet internal goals.

Competencies include:

• Guidance and support for staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Attention to detail with accurate record‑keeping.
• Adaptability to unexpected circumstances and resourcefulness.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
• Innovative thinking and openness to new ideas.
• Fostering teamwork and harmonious work environment.

• At least 2+ years of experience as a cook (preparation, serving, transport).
• Food handling certification.
• Minimum age 21.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Bilingual in Spanish & English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Clean criminal background check.
• Clean child abuse/neglect or child protective services check (CAN).

• Ascend/descend stairs.
• Lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Verbal communication and listening for continuous monitoring of children’s activities.
• Ability to stand for sustained periods.
• Receive and understand detailed oral instructions.
• Endure changing environmental conditions (weather, play fields, construction areas).

• Remote work eligible (if applicable).
• Medical & dental – 95% company, 5% employee.
• Vision coverage 100%.
• 401(K) matching up to 4%.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous vacation; varies by program.
• 9 sick days, 11 holidays.
• Long and short‑term disability coverage.
• Company‑provided laptop and cellphone (if required).

• Employment conditional pending satisfactory background checks and test results.

Urban Strategies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability or other legally protected classifications.

Please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). or contact Recruiting at recruiting with any questions.