Shelter Cook

The Salvation Army

Assistant Cook

Peoria Social Services

Position Title:            Shelter Cook

Job Summary:           Assists Food Services Coordinator to Prepare Meals for Emergency Shelters and Mass Feeding Programs

Reports To:                Food Services Coordinator

Supervises: N/A

Qualifications: One year of experience in meal preparation for large quantity of people preferred.  Must have the ability to work cooperatively with others in the planning and preparation of meals for clients in the shelter, mass feeding programs, and other opportunities that may arise through collaborations within the community. 

Candidates must have a passion for fulfilling the mission of The Salvation Army and must be articulate in presenting the same to others.

Candidates must successfully pass the pre-employment background inquiry and annual motor vehicle check with a valid driver’s license.

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Must have or be willing to obtain Illinois Department of Food Services License.

Skills:

• Ability to efficiently and effectively manage people and projects successfully.
• Team player, self-starter, and perform well with minimal supervision.
• Must have an interest and ability to work with people of diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience or capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.

The Salvation Army 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 Christ.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all Illinois Department of Health and Food Sanitation policies and procedures to ensure kitchen and food storage areas are in compliance.
• Coordinate food service activities with Food Services Coordinator.
• Assist in creating menus, preparing and serving meals (Dinner/Snacks) for clients in Family Shelter.
• Prepare weekend meals for Men’s Shelter/Family Shelter by communicating with Safety Net/Family Shelter’s Management Team.
• Communicate with Food Service Coordinator on items/supplies needed for weekly meals.
• Oversee kitchen activities, meal preparation, serving of meals, and clean up.
• Assist in managing food donations from community and incorporate into the daily menu/meal planning.
• Assume meal service responsibilities in the absence of the Food Service Coordinator.
• Prepare meals for the community meal program and Community Partners as needed.
• Work with the Food Services Coordinator to provide guidance to volunteers on general kitchen/warehouse needs through out each day.
• Adhere to Health Department policies and procedures ensuring compliance.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere through appropriate conflict management, courteous demeanor, and professional and appropriate communication practices.
• Maintain compliance in The Salvation Army’s “Safe from Harm” Certification.
• Complete CPR/ First Aid/ Blood Borne Pathogens Training.
• Perform other duties as assigned related to Food Services.

Position Ranking:

• Regular Full Time, Non-Exempt

Physical Demands/ Work Environment:

This Position is required to do basic business and office work. In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the individual is regularly required to talk and listen, stand, walk, sit and use hands.  Individual must be able to regularly lift up to 30 pounds.  The use of Office and Computer Equipment is necessary. Vision abilities will require close vision.  Work may be performed indoors and occasionally require outdoors to attend meetings. There is low to moderate noise level for this position. 

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.