Cook

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a part-time Kitchen Cook to prepare nutritious meals from donated items and pantry stock. You will support meal events, manage inventory, and ensure a clean, safe kitchen environment.

This role emphasizes teamwork with volunteers and staff, while adhering to health regulations. Flexibility and prior cooking experience are appreciated, with background checks required.

Qualifications

• Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and shifts.
• Knowledge of cleaning equipment and cleaning products.
• Basic computer access for payroll and timekeeping.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Strong independent judgment is required.
• Cooking experience is preferred.
• Driver license is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare weekly/monthly menus based on inventory.
• Manage pantry, refrigerators, and freezer stock with proper rotation.
• Coordinate daily food prep and serving per health and safety standards.
• Maintain sanitary kitchen and dining areas.
• Store leftovers properly per guidelines.
• Handle donations and assist with pickups.
• Ensure volunteers and staff follow safety protocols.
• Prepare required reports (gifts in kind).
• Report maintenance or inventory concerns to leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Flexible work

Basic cleaning tools

Basic computer skills

Attention to detail

Independent judgement

Cooking experience

Driver license (preferred)

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Job description

Love to Cook? Serve Up Something Meaningful!

Turn your passion for cooking into a purpose. Join The Salvation Army as a Kitchen Cook and prepare delicious, nutritious meals while making a real difference in the lives of people in our community. If you’re a hands-on cook who enjoys working with others and wants a job with purpose, this opportunity is for you!

• Part- Time Monday- Thursday 9:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M. Friday 8:00-1:00 P.M., Pay Rate: $13.50***

The Salvation Army Mission:

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.

Summary/Primary Purpose:

To prepare and serve wholesome, nutritious meals primarily using donated food items and stock from the kitchen pantry and freezers.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare a weekly/monthly menu for lunch and senior breakfast and dinner events, based on inventory.
• Responsible for inventories of kitchen pantry, refrigerators, and freezer items to include rotation of stock and placing food orders.
• Coordinate daily food preparation and serving in a manner consistent with Health Department food preparation, sanitation, and safety standards.
• Maintain a sanitary working environment in all areas including kitchen, dining room, storage rooms, walk in/reach in refrigerators and freezers.
• Maintain proper food storage procedures according to Health Department guidelines for cold and dry storage, including proper storage of leftover foods.
• Picking up, unloading, and sorting food donations.
• Ensure volunteers and other employees maintain safe and sanitary conditions during prep, serving and storage of food.
• Preparation of required statistical and financial reports. (gifts in kind)
• Report needed maintenance/concerns and inventory to Corps Officers.
• All other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Sometimes manages or works with volunteers, community service workers, and AARP/Iowa Works workers.

Education and/or Experience:

Experience in the related field of one to three months are greatly encouraged.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position.

• Ability to be flexible and able to work on multiple projects or tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of basic tools, cleaning equipment and cleaning products.
• Basic computer skills with ability to access payroll, timekeeping, and personal data via a web-based system.
• Attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong independent judgement.
• Preferred cooking experience.
• Preferred driver license.

Other Qualifications:

Must pass all applicable background checks.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Must successfully complete Safe from Harm training within 90 days of hire, as established by The Salvation Army and Serve Safe Certification, CPR, and AED. Must complete a Motor Vehicle Report if able to drive.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical requirements include verbal communication, hearing and vision ability and excellent manual dexterity. Ability to stand, bend and reach for extended periods of time, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate cleaning equipment. This position is required the ability to lift and/or move more than 50 pounds occasionally.

Working Conditions:

The work environment is a kitchen, with exposure to varying temperatures and noise levels. We are a community center with families and all sorts of people.

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