Prep Cook

FORA

Fora is a nonprofit organization advancing inclusion for individuals with disabilities by building pathways to meaningful work in integrated settings, transforming lives while supporting independence and growth.

Learn more: teamfora.org

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. This position is part of the AbilityOne Program, one of the largest sources of employment in the United States for people who are blind or have significant disabilities.

Learn more: www.abilityone.gov

About Fora

Work changes everything. We make it happen.

Since 1996, we’ve connected individuals with disabilities to meaningful employment by partnering with

organizations that expect both performance and purpose. We are a multi-region workforce model

supporting operations across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Our teams are integrated into daily operations, maintaining facilities, supporting office functions,

managing mailrooms, and more.

We operate across a wide range of services, including facilities support, administrative operations,

warehouses, call center services, and other essential functions.

At Fora, employment is more than a job. It’s a foundation for independence, confidence, and dignity,

expanding what’s possible in the workplace and beyond, and shaping how we work every day.

Position Summary

Responsible for preparing ingredients and assisting with meal preparation while maintaining a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment. Ensures food is prepared in accordance with facility standards, food safety guidelines, and health regulations.

Essential Responsibilities

(Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)

Direct Labor

• Prepare ingredients for meal service, including chopping, slicing, measuring, and mixing.
• Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency and quality.
• Assist cooks with meal preparation and basic cooking tasks.
• Maintain proper food temperatures during preparation and storage.
• Keep prep areas, kitchen surfaces, and equipment clean and organized.
• Label, date, and store food items according to food safety standards..
• Assist with plating and garnishing meals as needed.
• Support other kitchen functions as needed (dishwasher, utilities, line support).
• Participate in supervision meetings, training, and required safety programs.
• Follow all policies outlined in the site procedures manual and Fora Employee Handbook.
• Maintain a workplace free of harassment, discrimination, and unsafe conditions.
• Report concerns regarding safety, harassment, or discrimination to a supervisor, operations manager or HR.

Administrative

• Follow daily prep lists and kitchen production schedules.
• Monitor food and supply levels and report shortages.
• Adhere to PPE and workplace safety protocols.
• Report any safety, equipment, or food quality concerns to supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality food preparation and resident satisfaction.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Must possess flexibility to work changing shifts, including required Sundays and holidays.
• Ability to follow verbal instructions with minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to follow all rules, regulations, policies, and sanitary standards established by management.
• Professional and respectful communication with supervisors and team members.

Preferred

• Technical or culinary training.

Experience & Skills

• Experience in a restaurant, catering, healthcare, hospitality, or similar food service environment preferred.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation, sanitation, and safety practices.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently in a busy environment.

Licenses & Certifications

• Preferred.
• SERV Safe Food Handler certification.

Physical Requirements

• Stand for extended periods.
• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Work in a kitchen environment with heat and equipment.

Work Environment

• Office building, interaction with building customers and the public.

Reasonable Accommodations

Fora is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities

throughout the application process and throughout employment.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential

job functions, or access employment benefits, please contact Vocational Services or Human Resources

Departments.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Fora is committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with dignity and

respect.

Fora provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with

applicable federal, state, and local laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color,

religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, gender identity or expression,

sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital

status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Shift varies; must be available Sundays and holidays
Hours varies; must be available Sundays and holidays