Assistant Cook

The Salvation Army is a renowned international movement and an evangelical segment of the universal Christian church dedicated to serving communities worldwide. Rooted deeply in the message of the Bible and motivated by the profound love of God, the organization endeavors to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs without discrimination. Established with a mission that reflects compassion, inclusion, and service, The Salvation Army has built a legacy of providing aid and support to marginalized and vulnerable populations globally, making impactful contributions in areas such as disaster relief, rehabilitation, humanitarian aid, and community services.

This particular opportunity at The Salvation Army is for a Part-Time Kitchen Assistant position, offering 25 hours per week at a pay rate of $15.00 per hour. This role plays an essential part in supporting the organization’s kitchen operations aimed at preparing and serving wholesome and nutritious meals, mainly using donated food items alongside pantry and freezer stock. Working in a dynamic and mission-driven kitchen environment, the part-time kitchen assistant will assist the lead chef in daily food preparation and meal service following strict health department standards, ensuring food safety and sanitation practices are upheld.

The kitchen assistant will maintain a clean and sanitary working environment not only in the kitchen but also in the dining room, storage rooms, and refrigeration units. They are responsible for applying proper food storage procedures according to health guidelines, including refrigeration and dry storage of leftover foods, thereby safeguarding food quality and compliance with health codes. This role requires collaboration with kitchen leadership, especially stepping into a leadership capacity when the chef is absent to maintain smooth kitchen operations.

Beyond food preparation and serving duties, the assistant will be involved in routine administrative responsibilities such as preparation of statistical and financial reports relating to gifts in kind, monitoring volunteer hours, meal statistics, and assisting with documentation required for program operations. Reporting maintenance needs and ensuring that kitchen equipment and facilities remain in good condition are additional responsibilities. This role demands flexibility, efficient multitasking across various duties, and a high degree of attention to detail with a problem-solving mindset.

The Salvation Army values the physical capability of its employees, and this role requires good manual dexterity, the ability to stand for extended periods, and occasionally lift or move items exceeding 50 pounds. The working environment is characterized by kitchen conditions exposed to varying temperatures and noise levels. The organization requires its employees to respect and uphold its religious mission, reinforcing a culture of integrity and commitment to its values.

The ideal candidate for this position will have at least a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of three months’ experience in a commercial kitchen setting. The ability to work independently with strong judgment, knowledge of basic cleaning tools and products, and competence with web-based systems for payroll and timekeeping are desired qualifications. The candidate must successfully complete Safe from Harm training within the first 90 days of employment and hold certifications such as Serve Safe Manager, CPR, and AED or be willing to obtain them.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to supporting workforce diversity and encourages applications from individuals who are returning to work, veterans, people with disabilities, those impacted by the justice system, and candidates without a college degree. This role is an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a mission-centered organization focused on care, service, and community impact.