Cook

Damar Services, Inc.; East Chicago (IN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Damar Advantage discounts

Tuition Assistance

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Holidays

PTO

Job summary

Damar Services, Inc. is looking for a Cook I to support meal preparation and food service at our Indiana facilities. You will load carts, prepare meals, and ensure the kitchen and equipment are clean and sanitary to meet licensing standards.

The role emphasizes following recipes, maintaining accurate records, and supporting a safe, organized kitchen environment while contributing to a mission-driven team dedicated to helping people live better lives.

Qualifications

• Prior work experience in a commercial kitchen preferred.
• Minimum age of 18 per licensure requirements.
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements per policy.

Responsibilities

• Aids in maintaining a clean and organized storeroom and coolers/freezers; return product to correct location and monitor best-by dates.
• Maintains cafeteria, kitchen, and equipment in a clean and sanitary manner to meet licensing requirements.
• Completes sanitation logs, temperature records, and other essential paperwork accurately.
• Follows recipes and menus for cooking and meal preparation.
• Reviews meal counts to ensure items are accurately divided for meals at main and satellite kitchens.

Skills

Basic math

Reading & writing

Job description

Employees at Damar aren’t just part of a workforce — they’re part of a mission‑driven team making a real difference in people’s lives. Since 1967, Damar has been recognized across Indiana as one of the largest not‑for‑profit organizations and a leading provider of behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services. We foster a united, purpose‑driven culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to give their best. It’s no surprise Damar has been named a Top Workplace for several years!

Ready to make a real difference?

The Cook I is responsible for completing assigned kitchen responsibilities related to all food preparation. The Cook I will prepare meals, load food carts, and ensure the kitchen and equipment is maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.

Here are just a few of the benefits you'll enjoy at Damar:

• Eligible for the Damar Advantage including discounts at Damar Health Services and Damar Pharmacy
• Comprehensive training in verbal intervention and physical management techniques
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• Up to $3,000 per year in Tuition Assistance
• Save for your retirement with our 401(k) Plan Participation
• Take care of loved ones through our Damar provided Life Insurance and additional voluntary options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance options
• Paid Holidays to spend time with loved ones
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and renewal

Remarkable Ways You Will Be Making a Difference

• Aids in maintaining a clean and organized storeroom and coolers / freezers by making sure to return product to its correct location, breaking down boxes as needed, and monitoring best by dates on food
• Assists in maintaining the cafeteria, kitchen, and equipment in a clean and sanitary manner which meets licensing requirements
• Completes all documentation and essential paperwork accurately and legibly as needed [sanitation logs, food temperature records, cleaning logs, etc.]
• Follow recipes and menus for cooking and preparing meals
• Reviews and accurately follows meal count information to ensure food items are accurately divided for meals occurring at both main and satellite kitchens

What You Need To Be Considered

• Prior work experience in a commercial kitchen preferred
• Basic math skills and reading/writing are required
• Minimum age of 18 per licensure requirements
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements for all Damar Programs as detailed in policy 1.HR.02 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks
• Valid Indiana driver’s license preferred
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical required