Job Description

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.

Working with the Operation Manager and based on guidelines from the Dietician, the Cook will plan for and prepare three daily nutritious meals and one snack for the residents and staff at Alegria, the Alegria Child Development Center or Zahn Family Shelter including snacks for the B.L.A.S.T. After-School Program. The Cook will also maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of all food preparation areas. Additionally, the Cook will assist with ordering and inventory keeping.

Essential Functions

• Prepare daily meals and snacks for Alegria residents, and B.L.A.S.T. children, and lunch for the staff.
• Prepare breakfast, sack lunch and dinner for Alegria-Zahn residents.
• Deliver meals for Lilly’s Place and Lafayette.
• Serve Lunch and Dinner at Lafayette.
• Responsible for the quality and presentation of the meals being serve.
• Follow the preset, posted menus, respecting various mealtimes so that no more than 15 hours elapse between dinner and breakfast the next day.
• If needed, prepare modified meals according to Dietician’s guidelines and Physician’s orders for individual residents or children.
• Responsible for effective time management to ensure quality control, cleanness and sanitation, following the Health Department Time and Temperature guidelines.
• Responsible for effective food preparation and portioning for cost control.
• Keep all food preparation areas and equipment clean and sanitary at all times.
• Maintain sinks, floors drain and storage areas clean and orderly.
• Clean food serving areas.
• Organize and rotate storage, using F.I.F.O. method.
• Monitor equipment temperature as well as holding temperature. Report any discrepancy to the Supervisor immediately.
• Maintain regular inventory. Provide Operation Manager with a list of items to be ordered weekly, including disposable wares and cleaning supplies.
• Responsible for receiving and organizing deliveries.
• Attend scheduled in-service, workshops and staff meeting as requested by the Supervisor.
• Maintain good working relations with all members of the staff, The Salvation Army representatives, volunteers and visitors from other agencies.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. This position requires employee to be vaccinated from Covid-19.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year cooking in an institutional or residential setting or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of the Health Department Sanitation Time and Temperature rules.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Must pass criminal background check.
• Must be able to drive, as it would be needed for kitchen needs.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Must be culturally sensitive and non-judgmental.
• Knowledge and sensitivity regarding issues of homelessness and/or HIV/AIDS.
• Ability to work independently as well as with the team and organize food purchases, proper receiving and storage, food preparation and cleaning.
• Must be able to lift 25lbs on storage shelves.
• Must have a valid Food Handler Certification.