Cook

Gateway Foundation; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 25,113; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Gateway Foundation is seeking a food preparation specialist for its Springfield location. This role involves cooking and preparing meals for clients while ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma, food safety certification, and at least one year of kitchen experience. The position offers a competitive pay range of $15.00 to $18.23 per hour, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Certification in food safety is mandatory.
• Prior experience in a kitchen setting is essential.
• Physical ability to lift heavy objects regularly.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food for clients according to recipes.
• Ensure proper food storage and kitchen sanitation.
• Assist in menu planning and training clients.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food safety standards

Menu planning

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Illinois Department of Public Health Food Protection Manager Certification

Job description

About Gateway Foundation

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non‑profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, the organization provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, it is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

Location

Springfield Residential – 2200 Lake Victoria Dr, Springfield, IL 62703

Residential Center

Adult Male and Female population.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, seasoning, and cooking food for clients in accordance with established recipes and menus
• Completing advance preparation steps, using kitchen utensils and equipment, and inspecting and testing food
• Ensuring proper storage of goods, supplies, and leftovers
• Cleaning and organizing work and serving areas and maintaining kitchen equipment
• Assisting in menu planning and training of clients assigned to kitchen duty
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Current Illinois Department of Public Health Food Protection Manager Certification required
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 6 months training in cooking techniques and procedures required
• Minimum 1 year related work experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds regularly and up to 60 pounds frequently
• Ability to stand stationary up to two hours at a time regularly, and up to four hours frequently
• Ability to walk or move about for more than six hours at a time
• Ability to stoop and bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, and manual dexterity to manipulate kitchen implements and utensils
• Normal or corrected vision necessary to read recipes and instructions, and measure or portion food items; color vision and sense of smell necessary to inspect food items for spoilage

Compensation (based on experience and credentials)

• Range begins at $15.00 – $18.23 per hour
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases

Benefits at Gateway Foundation

Health and Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash‑saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short‑term and long‑term disability and life and AD&D insurance paid for by Gateway
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work‑life‑balance

Personal Development

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement – up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job‑related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.