ERP Cook

Housingmatterssc; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

403b Retirement Savings

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Housing Matters is seeking an ERP Cook to prepare, cook, and serve meals for residential participants across our main campus and The Landing kitchen. You will work under the Kitchen Manager and ERP Supervisor in an institutionally sized kitchen, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with Serve‑safe standards.

The role requires at least 2 years of high-volume cooking experience, physical stamina, and the ability to lift up to 60 lbs. Travel between campuses is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a high-volume cooking environment (line cook, prep cook, or institutional settings).
• Ability to manage large-batch meal production and kitchen safety.
• Must be Serve‑safe certified.
• High school diploma or GED preferred.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking, and serving meals meeting quality and Serve‑safe standards.
• Use all equipment safely according to procedures.
• Wash dishes and kitchen equipment.
• Take inventory and check orders from the warehouse; organize storage.
• Follow opening and closing procedures.
• Maintain cleaning and sanitizing protocols to ensure a safe environment.
• Support shelter programs; may assist with sanitizing showers when needed.
• Travel between the Housing Matters campus kitchen and The Landing kitchen.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

High-volume cooking

Large-batch production

Kitchen safety

Physical stamina

Serve‑safe certified

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Google Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

Working under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager and the ERP Supervisor, the Cook is responsible for maintaining a clean kitchen while prepping, cooking, and providing meals for Housing Matters residential participants. The ideal candidate will be able to work alongside volunteers and be immersed in the day-to-day operations of running an institutional kitchen while practicing safe food handling standards and procedures. This position will require travel between the Housing Matters main campus kitchen and the Housing Matters Live oak Landing, otherwise known as “The Landing”, kitchen.

Hours and Benefits

The ERP Cook is a full‑time, hourly, non‑exempt position, eligible for medical, dental, vision, 403b, and our generous PTO plan.

Benefits Summary

• 6 Medical plans – 100% employee coverage on select plans
• Dental – 100% employee coverage
• Vision – 100% employee coverage
• Life insurance (UNUM) – 100% employee coverage
• Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) – 100% employee coverage
• 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar‑for‑dollar with no vesting period
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
• PTO, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays

Regularly scheduled shifts

Weekends and occasional holidays may be required.

Starting Wages (Offer is Dependent on Experience)

$23.00 $23.69 $24.40 $25.13 $25.88 $26.66

Preferred Experience / Education Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a high‑volume cooking environment (such as line cook, prep cook, or institutional settings like shelters, schools, or hospitals).

*Candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage large‑batch meal production and kitchen safety.

• High school diploma or GED preferred

Special Requirements

• Basic computer skills, including ability to answer emails and utilize basic Google Suite and Microsoft Office platforms.
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, crouching, stooping, and communication are required.
• Requires manual dexterity for regular repetitive finger motion and frequent reaching, pulling, pushing, and lifting objects and operating equipment.
• Requires the ability to lift up to 60 lbs.
• Must be Serve‑safe certified.
• In possession of a valid California Driver’s License and have a clean driving record to perform duties essential to the position.

Thorough knowledge of

• Kitchen cleaning and safety procedures

Typical Job Duties

• Preparing, cooking, and serving meals. Food prepared must meet quality and Serve‑safe standards for taste, temperature (doneness), and visual appeal.
• Use all equipment in a safe manner according to proper procedures – stove, tile skillet, kettle, convection ovens, can openers, knives, steam tables, ice wands, trash compactor, carts.
• Wash dishes and kitchen equipment.
• Taking inventory and checking orders that arrive from the warehouse; organizing storage.
• Following opening and closing procedures.
• Maintaining and following cleaning and sanitizing protocols to ensure a safe environment.
• Supporting shelter programs and day services; may occasionally be asked to assist with sanitizing showers in the event of staff shortage.
• Travel between the HM campus kitchen and The Landing kitchen.
• Other duties as assigned.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer‑related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non‑merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment; advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.