Cook

THE SALVATION ARMY JOB DESCRIPTION 

Job Summary: 

Cooks and serves nutritional meals and snacks in accordance with established guidelines and schedules; ensures all meals are prepared and served in a safe and presentable manner; cleans kitchen facilities, equipment and appliances; maintains inventory of kitchen supplies and food in a neat and orderly manner. 

Essential Functions: 

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position.  The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. 

Food Cooking and Serving Responsibilities (50%)  

Cooks and prepares a variety of foods and beverages utilizing kitchen equipment, utensils and supplies in accordance with acceptable and economical cooking methods. 

Ensures that enough food is prepared based on the number of people to be served and that food is prepared in a timely manner as scheduled. 

Serves food and beverages in a presentable manner; prepares plates for infants or persons requiring additional assistance. 

Maintains proper supply and orderliness of kitchen stock inventory in order to meet the needs of the kitchen; informs supervisor if inventory is low so they may make orders and food purchases; drives to pick up food donations. 

Receives, receipts, and stores food donations and food orders. 

Kitchen Cleaning Responsibilities (50%) 

Cleans tables, chairs, floors, dishes, utensils and kitchen appliances. 

Maintains a high degree of cleanliness in the kitchen and dining room; ensures that all meals are prepared in a safe manner; ensures all kitchen personnel practice proper personal hygiene; ensures compliance with health regulations. 

Receives and stocks foods, beverages, and supplies in an orderly and safe manner. 

Stores, refrigerates and freezes foods in a safe and economical manner; monitors expiration dates on all foods ensuring proper disposal of food with expired dates. 

Washes, dries, and stores pots, pans, plates, glasses, cups, bowls, and utensils. 

Sweeps and mops kitchen and vacuums dining room floors; empties trash cans. 

Cleans refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, coffee makers, stoves, and ovens. 

Other Responsibilities: 

Supervises volunteers, community service workers as needed. 

Assists with seasonal program events as needed. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Materials and Equipment: 

General Cleaning Tools General Kitchen Equipment Stoves 

Freezers Refrigerators  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. 

Knowledge of effective cleaning and sanitizing practices including proper safety precautions. 

Knowledge of acceptable food storage and cleaning techniques. 

Ability to cook nutritional, tasteful and safe food for large groups in a timely manner. 

Ability to properly clean kitchen appliances and utensils. 

Ability to follow instructions and work independently. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 

Education and Experience: 

High school diploma or G.E.D. 

And 

One-year experience cooking food for large groups, 

or  

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Certifications: 

Valid State Drivers License 

Food Handler’s Certificate (or ability to obtain within established timeframe) 

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to meet attendance requirements. 

Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language effectively. 

Ability to cook, taste and smell food. 

Ability to perform continuous walking, stooping, standing, and some climbing. 

Duties are performed standing and requires squatting, climbing, bending and walking.   Any of the preceding duties may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of sitting. 

Extensive amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying heavy objects (up to 75 lbs.) frequently. 

Working Conditions: 

Work will normally be performed in a kitchen environment where there are physical discomforts associated with changes in temperature associated with cooking and the kitchen environment. 

Statement of Purpose: 

This document provides descriptive information about the above Salvation Army position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. An individual’s ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion. The Salvation Army reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice. 

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.