Cook (HLC)

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory in Indianapolis is seeking a Cook to provide daily meal preparation, planning, and service in a compliant, safe kitchen environment. You will ensure meals meet ServSafe standards and support the facility’s mission with reliable, respectful service.

Responsibilities include preparing and serving meals, stocking lunches, and helping maintain cleanliness and safety. Qualifications include a HS diploma, background checks, and ServSafe within 6 months;

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Background checks required and results reviewed.
• Experience: Kitchen experience preferred.
• Certifications: ServSafe Food Handler within 6 months; valid driver’s license; Safe From Harm training within 90 days.
• Skills/Abilities: English proficiency; computer skills; knowledge of industrial kitchen equipment; safe food handling; sobriety if in recovery.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals at assigned times.
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with ServSafe standards.
• Taste all prepared items to ensure proper ingredients were used.
• Assist with meal service.
• Ensure sack lunches are prepared and ready for clients leaving the facility.
• Prepare late plates for clients.
• Ensure deliveries are checked in and stored; verify against invoices.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and equipment; sanitation per guidelines.
• Wear proper attire for safe food handling (apron, hair net, gloves, etc.).
• Cross-train to place orders and set weekly menus.
• Participate in food donation and pantry programs.
• Maintain professional relationships with clients and leadership.
• Attend monthly in-service and staff meetings.
• Assist other departments as needed.
• Maintain attendance per facility guidelines.
• Demonstrate teamwork and collaborate with kitchen staff.
• Other tasks as assigned by leadership.

Skills

English proficiency

Computer skills

Kitchen safety

Sobriety requirement

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Dishwashing machine

Three-compartment sink

Mop & cleaning supplies

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Job description

Salary Range Starting At

$14.00/ per hour

Job Description

As the Cook you will provide daily meal preparation, planning, and service for the facility. Ensure a safe and clean operational environment in the kitchen while ensuring that the Mission of The Salvation Army is effectively carried out.

What You Will Do

• Prepare and serve meals at assigned times
• Prepare and serve meals in accordance with ServSafe standards
• Taste all prepared items to ensure proper ingredients were used
• Assist with meal service
• Ensure sack lunches are prepared and ready for clients leaving the facility
• Prepare late plates for clients
• Ensure that deliveries are properly checked in and stored (check and verify shipments against invoice/packing slips and check for damaged product)
• Ensure the Kitchen and kitchen equipment is clean and in proper condition for next service (including trash removed, floors swept and mopped, worktables properly cleaned and sanitized, stove and ovens clean, sinks clean etc.)
• Wear appropriate attire and equipment for safe food handling at all times
  • Apron
  • Hair net
  • Gloves
  • Clean uniform
  • Closed‑toed, non‑skid shoes
• Cross train to place orders and set weekly menus
• Participate in food donation and pantry program as directed
• Maintain a professional relationship with clients at all times
  • Demonstrate respect and equality
• Communicate appropriately to leadership and notify Food Service Manager of needs
• Attend monthly in‑service meetings
• Attend staff meetings
• Assist other departments as needed or directed
• Maintain attendance in accordance with facility guidelines
• Contribute to a positive work environment
• Demonstrate teamwork
• Collaborate with the kitchen assistant to ensure the kitchen and cafeteria are cleaned and maintained
• Other tasks as assigned by leadership

Minimum Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent preferred

Background Checks: Position requires a background check to be completed, and all background check results will be reviewed.

Experience: Kitchen experience preferred

Certifications: Must have a valid driver's license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver's qualification standard; must complete Safe From Harm training within the first 90 days of employment. Serv Safe Food Handler certification required within 6 months.

Skills/Abilities:

• Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and competency in using industrial and typical Kitchen equipment and supplies (i.e., dishwashing machine, garbage disposal, 3‑compartment sink, mop, bucket, broom, dustpan, trash bags, cleaning supplies, towels, apron, hair net, gloves, etc.)
• Must demonstrate understanding of safe food handling practices in an industrial kitchen environment
• If in recovery, must demonstrate at least one year of sobriety with evidence of emotional and social stability.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervise and direct non‑employees (i.e., Community Service, Volunteers and Clients) working in the kitchen.

Physical Requirements: Good speaking, hearing, and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity; Lifting, pulling, and pushing of materials up to 50 pounds; Require bending, squatting, walking; Require standing for extended.

Travel: Local travel may be expected

Working Conditions: Work is performed in an industrial kitchen environment; Working conditions may include occasional exposure to chemicals and dust. Standard safety precautions needed...may require some weekend and evening work

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.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back‑to‑work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job‑related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.