Lead Cook

Lake Forest, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $26.50

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

accident insurance

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Professional Development Reimbursement

401k

Paid Time Off

Potential eligibility for public service loan forgiveness program

Job Description

Illumination Health + Home is a dynamic and rapidly expanding non-profit organization dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing social and public health crises in California—homelessness. With a presence of over 13 facilities and 22 micro-communities spread across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire, Illumination Health + Home provides essential interdisciplinary services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness. Their programs include recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services, and specialized children and family programs.

Homelessness presents complex challenges that require compassionate, innovative solutions, and Illumination Foundation (IF) meets these challenges head-on with a holistic and client-centered approach. The organization operates with the guiding principles of integrity, humility, sustainable compassion, quest for knowledge and critical thinking, client-centered care, innovation, advocacy, stewardship, and compliance.

The Lead Cook position at Illumination Health + Home is a vital role within the organization, situated in the heart of their kitchen operations. This role commands significant responsibility in ensuring the daily preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals that meet high standards of quality, consistency, and nutrition for the clients and communities they serve. The Lead Cook not only prepares diverse menu items ranging from proteins and vegetables to starches and sauces but also oversees food safety compliance and kitchen sanitation. This includes meticulous adherence to local, state, and federal health regulations as well as maintaining cleanliness and proper food storage practices.

More than a culinary role, the Lead Cook is a leadership position requiring supervision and training of kitchen personnel. Responsibilities extend to delegating tasks, developing daily prep lists, and acting as a communication bridge between kitchen staff and management. The position demands organizational skills for inventory management and equipment oversight, contributing to menu development, and participation in operational meetings.

This full-time position offers a competitive pay scale starting at $26.50 per hour, with the schedule running Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It requires the ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment, strong communication, leadership capability, and the stamina for prolonged standing and manual tasks. Proficiency with basic computer functions related to email and spreadsheets is also important.

The role is ideal for someone passionate about culinary arts and socially impactful work, who is ready to contribute to a non-profit making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Illumination Health + Home values a diverse workforce and highly encourages bilingual candidates, especially those fluent in English and Spanish, to apply. The position also supports professional development and offers various benefits to promote employee well-being and growth.

Job Requirements

high school diploma or equivalent
2 years relevant experience
a food handler's license
sound knowledge of food health and safety regulation
the ability to work as a team
the ability to stand for long periods of time
the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
excellent communication and leadership skills
exceptional organizational, time management, and problem solving skills
basic computer skills, including the ability to send and receive emails and summarize data in spreadsheets
valid CA driver's license and eligibility for company vehicle insurance

Job Qualifications

high school diploma or equivalent
2 years relevant experience
food handler's license
sound knowledge of food health and safety regulation
excellent communication and leadership skills
exceptional organizational, time management, and problem solving skills
basic computer skills, including the ability to send and receive emails and summarize data in spreadsheets
valid CA driver's license and eligibility for company vehicle insurance
bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
proficiency in Google Suite (Mail, Docs, Sheets, Calendar) preferred

Job Duties

supervise and train kitchen staff on cooking techniques, recipes, and food safety procedures
delegate tasks, create daily prep lists, and assign work to kitchen personnel
lead by example, setting high standards for food quality and kitchen organization
act as a point of contact for staff to address issues and provide guidance
prepare and cook a variety of menu items, ensuring consistency and quality
oversee the production of hot and cold foods, including proteins, vegetables, starches, and sauces
maintain quality control, portion control, and consistency of dishes served
ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health and food safety regulations
maintain overall cleanliness of the kitchen, workstations, and equipment
ensure proper handling, storage, and rotation of (FIFO) food items to minimize waste and maintain freshness
monitor and maintain kitchen equipment, report any problems or maintenance needs to management
assist with inventory management, including food stock levels and ordering supplies
contribute to menu development and meal planning
participate in opening and closing procedures and attend meetings with management