Cook

The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division, a regional branch of the global organization, is committed to Doing the Most Good by serving vulnerable populations through a range of humanitarian efforts. The Salvation Army is an international evangelical movement within the Christian church, motivated by the love of God and focused on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs without discrimination. As the fourth largest charity in the United States, it operates a myriad of programs including combatting homelessness and hunger, supporting sobriety, providing safe spaces for children, and offering hope and assistance to those in desperate need. Within its regional division, the Evangeline Booth Lodge serves as a central facility offering shelter and support to single women and families facing hardship.

The role of Cook at the Evangeline Booth Lodge is a vital position within the kitchen department, reporting directly to the Kitchen Supervisor. Responsible for preparing meals that align precisely with established menus, the Cook supports the nutrition programs integral to the mission of The Salvation Army. This position plays a key role in ensuring that nutritious, wholesome meals are provided efficiently and compassionately to residents and community members, helping to promote their well-being. The Cook must be adept at managing food preparation for both daily meals and next-day supplies, including overseeing deliveries, maintaining food service areas, and ensuring compliance with strict health and sanitation standards.

This full-time position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and offers a competitive pay range of $17.00 to $20.40 per hour, which reflects the experience and skill required. The role demands a physically active individual capable of working in a fast-paced industrial kitchen environment, lifting up to 70 pounds, navigating stairs, and engaging with clients who may have complex social, mental health, or substance abuse issues.

The Cook collaborates closely with kitchen staff and the broader team, sometimes providing direction as needed, fostering a collaborative, supportive workplace culture aligned with The Salvation Army’s mission. Performance in this role is assessed based on effectiveness, timeliness, accuracy, and the completeness of responsibilities, ensuring meal services consistently meet quality standards and client needs.

In addition to technical cooking skills, this position requires a positive attitude, flexibility, attention to detail, and strong communication and interpersonal abilities. The Cook must hold a current Chicago Sanitation License and bring at least three years of cooking experience, preferably in large-scale meal preparation in industrial kitchens. The Salvation Army values a candidate’s initiative and self-starting capability, reflective of its mission-driven and collaborative environment.

Joining The Salvation Army means becoming part of a diverse, mission-focused organization dedicated to transforming lives and communities. Employees benefit from comprehensive packages including medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability, and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans including 403(b) and a company-funded pension, and generous paid time off. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and actively encourages applications from veterans, individuals with disabilities, those impacted by the justice system, and candidates without a college degree. This role offers not only a job but a meaningful way to contribute to social good and make a lasting impact.