EO-NO-257 Cook

Meals on Wheels; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Meals on Wheels is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals for seniors in a community kitchen in St. Charles, IL. You will follow approved menus, portion sizes, and dietary requirements to ensure safe, tasty meals prepared on schedule.

This on-site role requires food safety expertise, ability to work with volunteers and staff, and timely communications with the program coordinator to meet delivery deadlines. Early hours and compassionate service are expected.

Qualifications

• Food Handler Certification required.
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• Understanding of basic nutrition and special dietary requirements.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and portion guidelines.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable and punctual.
• Compassionate and respectful attitude toward seniors and clients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus and recipes.
• Prepare appropriate portions for daily meal load.
• Follow food safety and sanitation procedures at all times.
• Ensure meals are cooked, held, cooled, stored, and packaged safely.
• Meet dietary requirements and restrictions as provided by the program.
• Prepare modified meals for special diets when required.
• Maintain quality, taste, appearance, and consistency of meals.
• Package and deliver meals according to the delivery schedule.
• Dispose of food waste and use supplies efficiently.
• Assist with menu planning and provide nutritious, economical ideas.
• Report food-safety or equipment issues to the coordinator.
• Work respectfully with volunteers and staff and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Food Handler Certification

Nutrition knowledge

Recipes & portioning

Time management

Independence & teamwork

Reliability & punctuality

Compassionate attitude

Communication with staff

Job description

The Meals on Wheels Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious, wholesome, and appealing meals for seniors and other clients who receive Meals on Wheels services. The Cook ensures that meals are prepared safely, on schedule, and according to established menus, recipes, portion sizes, and dietary requirements.

Main Duties

• Prepare and cook meals according to the approved menu and recipes.
• Prepare appropriate portions for the number of meals required each day.
• Always follow food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Ensure food is cooked, held, cooled, stored, and packaged at safe temperatures.
• Prepare meals that meet clients’ dietary requirements and restrictions as provided by the program.
• Prepare modified meals when required, such as low-sodium, diabetic-friendly, soft, or other special diets.
• Maintain good quality, taste, appearance, and consistency of meals.
• Prepare food in sufficient time for meals to be packaged and delivered according to the delivery schedule.
• Properly portion, package, label, and store meals.
• Check food supplies and advise the program coordinator when ingredients need to be ordered.
• Maintain an accurate inventory of food and supplies when required.
• Keep the kitchen, cooking equipment, work surfaces, refrigerators, and storage areas clean and sanitary.
• Follow proper procedures for preventing cross-contamination and food allergies.
• Minimize food waste and use food supplies efficiently.
• Assist with menu planning and provide suggestions for nutritious and economical meals.
• Report any food-safety concerns, equipment problems, or client dietary concerns to the program coordinator.
• Work respectfully and cooperatively with volunteers, delivery drivers, coordinators, and other staff.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding clients and their personal information.
• Perform other duties related to meal preparation and the Meals on Wheels program as required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience cooking for groups, seniors, restaurants, institutions, or community programs is an asset.
• Food Handler Certification is required
• Knowledge of safe food handling and sanitation practices.
• Understanding of basic nutrition and special dietary requirements.
• Ability to follow recipes, menus, and portion guidelines.
• Good organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Reliable and punctual.

Compassionate and respectful attitude toward seniors and other clients.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods while preparing meals.
• Ability to lift and carry food supplies and kitchen equipment as required.
• Ability to perform repetitive food-preparation and cleaning duties.
• Ability to work safely around ovens, stoves, hot food, and kitchen equipment.

Working Conditions

The Cook will work primarily in a community kitchen. The position may involve early morning hours and working around heat, kitchen equipment, and food-preparation areas.

Salary 20.00$ / Hr

Reporting To

Meals on Wheels Coordinator / Program Manager

Schedule

Hours and days of work will be established according to the Meals on Wheels delivery schedule and program requirements.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will be used to determine suitability. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected to be interviewed will be contacted. In the event that no qualified candidate has applied, we reserve the right to extend the deadline for applications as needed.