Job Description

We’re looking for a reliable, motivated Cook to join our team at Home of the Innocents. The ideal candidate takes pride in preparing fresh, nutritious, and appealing meals for individuals living in our residential programs. If you enjoy cooking, thrive in a team environment, and understand the importance of providing quality meals in a residential care setting, we encourage you to apply!

A Day in the Life

As a Cook, you will play an important role in the daily lives of our residents by preparing and serving nutritious, high-quality food in a residential care setting. You will follow established menus and recipes, prepare ingredients, cook a variety of menu items, and ensure food is ready for service according to scheduled meal times.

Schedule

• Full-time; hours will vary based on departmental and meal service needs.
• Rotating weekend and holiday shifts are required.

How This Position Contributes to Our Mission

• Prepare, cook, and serve daily meals according to established menus, recipes, and production schedules, ensuring meals are served on time and meet expectations for food quality, taste, portion sizes, and presentation.
• Follow established dietary guidelines and individual resident needs to ensure meals are prepared appropriately and support the health and well-being of those we serve.
• Work collaboratively with the Kitchen Manager, Director of Food Services, and dietary team to coordinate meal preparation, service, inventory, and daily kitchen operations.
• Maintain accurate food temperature logs, production records, and other required documentation while following all food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures.

Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to follow recipes, prepare meals, and work efficiently in a commercial or institutional kitchen environment.
• Experience with basic cooking techniques, food preparation, kitchen equipment, and food safety practices required.
• Ability to manage multiple food preparation tasks while meeting scheduled meal service times.
• Ability to adapt to the dietary and daily needs of residents, staff, and visitors.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English and have basic math skills to assist with recipe measurements, portioning, and food preparation.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• ServSafe certification preferred.

What You’ll Receive as a Valued Member of Home of the Innocents

• A trauma-informed environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Generous leave time.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Training and certification opportunities.

Who We Are

Home of the Innocents is one of Louisville’s longest-serving nonprofit organizations, approaching 150 years of service to children and families. Our mission is simple and clear: to enrich lives with hope, health, and happiness.

We are a trauma-informed organization, prioritizing safety, recovery, and strong relationships in everything we do. Our leadership is committed to building a workforce grounded in compassion, excellence, empowerment, and wellness.

We are an organization growing to meet the needs of children and young adults in our community—expanding our programs and investing in our campus, including the addition of a new wing at the Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center that will double our capacity to serve medically complex individuals.

Our Impact

• 3,976 children and families served in 2025.
• 22-acre campus located near downtown Louisville.
• Second largest Residential Treatment Program in Kentucky.
• Only dedicated emergency shelter for children in the city.
• 10 programs supporting children and families across a range of needs, including:
• Therapeutic and residential treatment for youth with complex behavioral and emotional needs.
• Emergency shelter for children in crisis.
• Foster care and adoption support.
• Community-based behavioral health services.
• Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center (KCC): Kentucky’s only pediatric skilled nursing facility providing residential and respite care for children and young adults with complex medical needs.

Make a Difference Every Day

If you are passionate about cooking, enjoy serving others, and want your work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, we invite you to APPLY NOW!