Food Service Worker - Cook

The Salvation Army is a global organization known for its evangelical Christian mission and its commitment to serving communities through social welfare programs. Established over a century ago, The Salvation Army operates as a church and as a charitable organization that offers various services including disaster relief, homelessness support, rehabilitation programs, and community aid. As an institution, it focuses on preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting human needs without discrimination, maintaining a strong emphasis on compassion, respect, and dignity for all individuals. The organization is well-regarded for its dedication to social justice and community enhancement, partnering with local and national bodies to make a meaningful impact across numerous societal segments.

The role of Cook within The Salvation Army plays a vital part in supporting its mission by ensuring nutritious meals and snacks are prepared and served efficiently in institutional settings such as shelters, rehabilitation centers, and community dining halls. This position requires a candidate who is passionate about food preparation and committed to maintaining high standards of hygiene, food safety, and inventory management. As a Cook, you will be responsible for utilizing various cooking utensils and equipment while inspecting and maintaining cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas to meet licensing and sanitary regulations. You will assist in managing food inventories, proper storage of food items, and operating dishwashing equipment, all while upholding the organization's values and professional conduct.

The ideal candidate will have at least one year of cooking experience in an institutional environment and be capable of preparing meals independently. Certification in ServeSafe within 90 days of employment is mandatory, along with preferred but not required certifications in First Aid and CPR. The role demands physical stamina for standing extended hours and handling lifting, pulling, and pushing of materials weighing up to 80 pounds. You should expect to work in varied temperature settings, including warm kitchen areas and cold storage spaces, sometimes during irregular or extended hours, including weekends.

Beyond technical skills, this role emphasizes the importance of supporting The Salvation Army’s mission and values, including strict adherence to confidentiality regulations such as HIPAA. The ability to maintain professionalism and cultivate positive relationships with a diverse population is essential. While no supervisory responsibilities are included, you may be called upon to train other kitchen staff, contributing to a cooperative and efficient team environment. The organization provides reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to perform essential job functions, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

This position offers an opportunity to work within a faith-based organization dedicated to social service and community support. It is well-suited for individuals who value service, respect diversity, and are committed to the health and wellbeing of others through the preparation of good, wholesome food. The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming applications from veterans, people with disabilities, individuals impacted by the justice system, and those without college degrees. This inclusive hiring approach reflects the organization’s dedication to providing second chances and equitable employment opportunities.