Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The cook is responsible for preparing and/or directing the preparation of food to be served, complying with all applicable sanitation, health and personal hygiene standards and following established food production programs and procedures. The cook is responsible for appropriate use of facility supplies and equipment to minimize loss, waste and fraud. Responsible for all food service duties including mass food preparation for daily consumption and special events for 300 clients. 

Essential Functions

DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES: (not listed in order of priority)

Provide Orientation to volunteers, community service workers and kitchen KP beneficiaries on kitchen safety and service. Monitor the reporting of all KP absences, tardiness and failure to comply with policy, in order to have accurate coverage at all times and adherence to program policy. Encourage client participants during KP duties. Perform pre-safety checks and routine inspections of food equipment, report major repairs or services needed and all emergencies, accidents or equipment breakdown immediately to the supervisor.

• Prepares or directs preparation of food served using established production procedures and systems.
• Determines amount and type of food and supplies required using production systems.
• Ensures availability of supplies and food or approved substitutions in adequate time for preparation.
• Sets steam table; serves or ensures proper serving of food for tray line or dining room.
• Complies with established sanitation standards, personal hygiene and health standards. Observes proper food preparation and handling techniques.
• Stores food properly and safely, marking the date and item.
• Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to supervisor.
• Correctly prepares all food served following standard recipes and special diet orders.
• Plans food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature and appearance of food are preserved.
• Apportions food for serving.
• Maintains daily production records.
• Keeps work area neat and clean at all times; cleans and maintains equipment used in food preparation.
• Completes food temperature checks before service.

Is subject to frequent interruptions. Residents, personnel, visitors, Agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, Personnel, and visitors.

Communicates with the staff, department personnel and other department staff.

Works beyond normal working hours, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

Is subject to callback during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

Working Conditions

The employee is required to sit, stand, reach, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, push and pull items weighing 50 pounds or less. The position requires manual dexterity; auditory and visual skills; and the ability to follow written and oral instructions and procedures.

This job operates in a kitchen environment, housed with equipment such as an oven, stove, dishwasher, slicer, coffee machine, steamer, mixer and chef’s knives. The employee is frequently exposed to heat, steam, fire and noise.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a certified food handler under the California Safety Code 97-0071.
• Preferred Culinary Arts degree and/or 2 years of food handling experience.
• Ability to understand written information and keep accurate stats/inventory.
• Must be TB cleared & CPR and First Aid Certificate upon hire date.
• Microsoft Office applications and excel a plus.
• Ability to place orders and calculate inventories for production.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Must have work experience in kitchen/food service, (knife skills, health, sanitary regulations, cooking skills and working with large equipment).
• Ability to carry out assignments independently, maintain good rapport and communication with other staff members, clients and the public
• Education or experience working with the homeless population
• Excellent communication skills for interaction with Homeless individuals.
• Strong work ethic, personable, dependable and must be efficient.
• Must be able to work any shift and a signed schedule.