The Salvation Army logo

Cook (HLC)

Carmel, IN, USA|Travel, Onsite

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Temporary
Full-time
Part-time
Hourly
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Compensation

Hourly
Exact $14.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Flexible Work Options
Paid holidays
wellness programs
Employee support programs

Job Description

The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Founded on the principles and teachings of the Bible, the organization is deeply motivated by the love of God. It has a dual mission of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving human needs without discrimination. As a faith-based humanitarian organization, The Salvation Army provides a wide range of services including emergency relief, social services, rehabilitation, and community programs to support those in need around the globe. The Salvation Army has a long-standing tradition of being a beacon of hope, compassion, and practical help for disadvantaged populations.

The Indiana Division of The Salvation Army proudly upholds this mission locally while emphasizing a supportive work culture where employees take pride in the meaningful impacts they deliver every day. Employees are committed to helping others and contributing to a cause that is larger than themselves, a faith-centered service that fosters respect, dignity, and positive change. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underserved communities, veterans, people with disabilities, and those who have experienced justice system impacts.

The role of the Cook at The Salvation Army is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of daily meals for clients and staff. This position is hourly, with a starting wage of $14.00 per hour, and requires a conscientious individual capable of handling meal preparation, food safety standards, kitchen organization, and teamwork. The Cook’s responsibilities are integral to the health and wellness of clients served by the Mission, helping to provide nutritious meals while maintaining strict safety protocols in the kitchen.

As a Cook, you will be responsible for preparing and serving meals according to ServSafe standards, ensuring the quality and taste of food items meet organizational guidelines. You will assist with meal service including the preparation of sack lunches and late plates for clients leaving or staying at the facility. Managing deliveries, inventory checks, and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen equipment and areas will also be part of your daily routine. You will be expected to wear appropriate safety attire such as aprons, hair nets, gloves, and non-skid shoes to uphold health and safety regulations.

This role requires collaboration with other departments and volunteers, contributing to a positive work environment while maintaining professional and respectful relationships with clients and team members. The Cook will also cross-train to assist with ordering and menu planning, participate in food donation programs, and may supervise non-employees including volunteers and clients working within the kitchen.

The work environment is an industrial kitchen setting, which may include occasional exposure to chemicals and dust and requires physical activities such as lifting, bending, standing for extended periods, and manual dexterity. The position may require some weekend or evening shifts and possibly local travel. This job offers an opportunity to work within a faith-based organization committed to making a tangible difference in the community while fostering employee well-being and professional growth.

Working at The Salvation Army means becoming part of a family devoted to living out its mission daily. The Indiana Division takes pride in its supportive management, flexible work options, and comprehensive benefits including health, wellness programs, and paid time off. Employees report high satisfaction in the meaningfulness of their work, manageable stress levels, and a collaborative environment. If you are looking for a career where your efforts translate into real community impact and spiritual fulfillment, this Cook position offers a rewarding path.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Kitchen experience preferred
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain The Salvation Army driver’s qualification standard
  • Must complete Safe From Harm training within the first 90 days of employment
  • ServSafe Food Handler certification required within 6 months
  • Able to speak, write and understand English sufficiently for effective communication
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft products
  • Must demonstrate knowledge and competency in using industrial and kitchen equipment and supplies
  • Must demonstrate understanding of safe food handling practices in an industrial kitchen
  • If in recovery, must demonstrate at least one year of sobriety with evidence of emotional and social stability
  • Position requires a background check to be completed and reviewed
  • Ability to lift, pull, and push materials up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to bend, squat, walk and stand for extended periods
  • Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
  • Local travel may be expected

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Kitchen experience preferred
  • Valid driver’s license with ability to maintain The Salvation Army driver’s qualification standard
  • ServSafe Food Handler certification required within 6 months
  • Ability to speak, write and understand English for effective communication
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems
  • Knowledge and competency in using industrial and typical kitchen equipment and supplies
  • Understanding of safe food handling practices in an industrial kitchen environment
  • If in recovery, at least one year of sobriety with evidence of emotional and social stability

Job Duties

  • Prepare and serve meals at assigned times
  • Prepare and serve meals in accordance with ServSafe standards
  • Taste all prepared items to ensure proper ingredients were used
  • Assist with meal service
  • Ensure sack lunches are prepared and ready for clients leaving the facility
  • Prepare late plates for clients
  • Ensure that deliveries are properly checked in and stored by verifying shipments against invoices and packing slips and checking for damaged product
  • Ensure the kitchen and kitchen equipment is clean and in proper condition for next service including trash removal, floor cleaning, and sanitizing worktables and appliances
  • Wear appropriate attire and equipment such as apron, hair net, gloves, clean uniform, and closed-toed non-skid shoes for safe food handling at all times
  • Cross train to place orders and set weekly menus
  • Participate in food donation and pantry program as directed
  • Maintain a professional relationship with clients demonstrating respect and equality
  • Communicate appropriately to leadership and notify Food Service Manager of needs
  • Attend monthly in-service meetings and staff meetings
  • Assist other departments as needed or directed
  • Maintain attendance in accordance with facility guidelines
  • Contribute to a positive work environment through teamwork and collaboration
  • Collaborate with the kitchen assistant to ensure the kitchen and cafeteria are cleaned and maintained
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by leadership

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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