Cook (55533)

In this role, you’ll do more than cook meals — you’ll help create comfort, connection, and care for youth and program participants each day. Working alongside the Ember Nutrition Services Manager, you’ll help bring our meal program to life through food prep, cooking, menu support, kitchen organization, inventory, and food donation coordination — all while keeping food safety, sanitation, and quality top priority.

From the first chopped onion to the last clean pan, you’ll help keep the kitchen running smoothly and the meals coming out hot, nutritious, and delicious. One minute you might be plating lunch for a full dining room, the next organizing donations or teaching basic kitchen skills to participants. No two days are exactly the same — and that’s part of the fun.

While this role doesn’t provide direct care to youth, you’ll work around youth regularly and help create the kind of safe, welcoming environment where people feel respected, supported, and cared for.

What You'll Do...

• Prepare and serve nutritious, high-quality meals that meet YSS standards and program guidelines
• Assist with menu planning, food prep, inventory, food storage, and kitchen organization
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen, dining, and prep environment
• Follow food safety, sanitation, risk management, and workplace safety procedures at all times
• Support efficient meal production, service, and distribution operations
• Complete records, logs, and documentation related to food safety, licensing, and program compliance
• Help manage supplies and work within budget expectations
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and participants during meal preparation and service
• Help teach participants basic cooking, kitchen, and food preparation skills
• Assist with campus gardens, greenhouses, and other nutrition-related initiatives as needed
• Participate in trainings, team meetings, and daily kitchen operations

This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.

Who You Are...

You’re the kind of person who can keep a kitchen moving, a meal tasting great, and your cool during the lunch rush. You’re organized, dependable, and not afraid to jump in wherever needed — whether that’s prepping ingredients, serving meals, or saving the day when someone forgot to thaw the chicken. You love good food, teamwork, and the satisfaction of feeding people well. Most importantly, you know a great meal can turn someone’s whole day around.

What We Provide...

We invest in people—because when you thrive, so do the communities we serve. At YSS, you’ll find meaningful work, strong support, and benefits designed for real life.

Supportive Culture & Work Environment

• Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all employees

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Flu shots and mental health support resources
• Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames

Time Off & Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off (4 weeks PTO)
• Paid holidays, including a birthday holiday
• Volunteer time off

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Supplemental compensation award
• 403(b) retirement savings plan

Professional & Career Support

• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer

We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.

Required Qualifications - YOU MUST:

• Have at least 1 year of experience in food prep, equipment operation, food storage, and record keeping
• Be able to follow recipes accurately (and occasionally level them up)
• Communicate clearly through conversation, instruction, and written notes
• Stay organized and manage time, tools, and ingredients effectively
• Work well with others and thrive as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications - YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Food safety or culinary certifications (Food Handler, Food Manager, Allergen Awareness, ACF, etc.)
• Professional cooking experience preparing and plating hot and cold dishes
• Experience with a variety of cooking techniques and kitchen equipment
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, storage, and cooking temperatures
• A willingness to learn, grow, and support others in the kitchen

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Has education in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Nutrition, or a related field
• Truly loves cooking — people can taste the difference
• Is dependable, self-motivated, and great at taking initiative
• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
• Speaks a second language (especially one spoken in our communities).

We Celebrate Your Story...

Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.

Who We Are...

We’re YSS—one of Iowa’s largest and longest-standing nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission is simple but powerful: spark hope, create opportunity, and help young people thrive.

• From life-changing programs to a new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re expanding fast and thinking big. Learn more at yss.org.
• We value the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re committed to building a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where everyone can grow and succeed.
• YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.

Stay Connected...We communicate with applicants by email through our Paycom system. Please check your inbox regularly (and your spam/junk folder just in case). We may also send you text messages if you give us that permission when you apply. Questions? Reach us anytime at [email protected]

Hiring Process...Here’s what to expect:

• Apply – Submit your application at yss.org/ysscareers
• Assessment – We review your skills and experience
• Interview – Phone, video, or in-person conversation
• References – We’ll connect with 3+ professional references
• Screening – Background check, driving record check, and license verification if required
• Offer – If it’s a match, you’ll receive a formal offer through Paycom