Cook - Full Time

The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory in Rochester is seeking a cook to support our Food Services program. This 35-hour/week role from Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. focuses on cooking, sanitation, and organized storage to serve shelter clients with high-quality meals.

You will follow approved menus, manage inventory, and supervise volunteers while ensuring health and safety standards are met. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; food service program preferred.
• Able to work within health and safety regulations and maintain cleanliness.
• Ability to follow recipes, manage portions, and handle food safely.
• Willingness to work with volunteers and shelter clients.

Responsibilities

• Participate in daily kitchen cleaning and sanitation.
• Prepare meals per approved menu and dietary requirements.
• Assist with food arrival, storage and inventory management.
• Maintain quality service to clients and supervise volunteers as needed.
• Ensure proper storage, rotate stock and report shortages.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Works well under pressure

Food safety

Education

High School Diploma/GED

L1 certification

Job description

Reporting directly to the Food Services Manager, the cook is required to work to ensure excellence in the cooking of food items, assure proper cleaning and sanitation, as well as superior organization within the food services coolers, freezers and storage areas, and provide excellent customer service to all clients.

This is a 35 hour week position - Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the daily cleaning and upkeep of the kitchen and dining areas, including trash removal to the dumpster.
• Ensure all dishes, cookware and utensils are accounted for and cleaned after each use. Wipe down all surfaces used.
• Work toward the continual improvement of the Dietary Program.
• Help with the managing of the arrival, unpacking and storage of all food.
• Prepare meals as directed and in accordance with the approved menu, portion sizes and dietary requirements.
• Review menus prior to the preparation of food. Notify the FSM of any menu problems or discrepancies.
• Must be able to work scheduled shifts.
• Responsible for reporting all food related incidents to FSM as they occur or are observed.
• Inventory food stock and kitchen supplies. Notify FSM to any menu changes or if food/supplies are not available.
• Assist the FSM in maintaining a consistent quality of service to clients at all times and training kitchen volunteers and staff.
• Responsible for providing the highest quality of service to clients.
• Follow all verbal and written Food Service policies and procedures. Assure that all kitchen staff and volunteers follow and understand established health and safety regulations in the preparation of food, equipment and supplies.
• Maintain confidentiality of clients.
• Setup, cook and serve snacks/meals for clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice due to business needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED. Graduate from a recognized food service program preferred.
• Yearly PPD test.
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multi-tasks, follow recipes, know how to use seasonings and handle food safely.
• Must be L1 certified. (This certification can be obtained after hire)
• Awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and problems of the homeless.
• Working knowledge of shelter kitchen operations and Department of Health regulations.
• Wearing of proper attire as specified by Food Services Manager on a daily basis.
• Ability to work with volunteers.