Cook

Position Summary

The Salvation Army Austin Corps is "Doing the Most Good" by providing holistic, person-centered services to individuals and families. In addition to worship services and pastoral care, services include short- and long-term case management; food, clothing, utility, rent, and housing support; and connections to community resources.

The Cook prepares and serves nutritious evening meals for approximately 50 to 100 participants Monday through Thursday. This position supports meal planning, food preparation, food safety, kitchen sanitation, and special events while providing meal service in a welcoming and dignified environment.

$16 to $18 per hour, 25 hours a week

409 First Ave NE, Austin, MN 55912

Essential Functions (Approximate Time Allocation):

• Meal Preparation & Food Safety (55%): Prepare meals and safely handle, store, and serve food in accordance with applicable food safety and health standards. Accommodate special dietary needs as directed.
• Meal Service (20%): Provide weekday evening meal service to participants in a welcoming, respectful, and dignified manner.
• Kitchen & Dining Sanitation (10%): Clean and sanitize dishes, utensils, cookware, serving equipment, kitchen equipment, and kitchen and dining areas.
• Meal Planning & Food Utilization (10%): Assist with meal planning and effectively use purchased and donated food items to support program needs and minimize food waste.
• Special Events, Volunteers & Program Support (5%): Assist with food preparation, cooking, and meal service for special events, meetings, and other program needs. Provide task direction and guidance to volunteers assisting with kitchen and meal service activities.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of relevant food service, cooking, or meal preparation experience required.
• ServSafe Food Handler certification required.
• Must pass background checks.

Competencies

• Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling and storage.
• Ability to prepare meals in quantity, follow menus and dietary instructions, and organize work to meet meal service timelines.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills when working with participants, staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Dependable and able to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

• Frequently requires standing and walking throughout the shift, with bending, reaching, stooping, lifting, carrying, and repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Work is performed primarily in a commercial kitchen and dining environment and may involve exposure to heat, steam, cleaning products, sharp utensils, and hot equipment.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with participants, staff, volunteers, and guests.
• This is a site-based position and is not eligible for remote work.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No formal supervisory responsibilities. Provides task direction, guidance, and support to volunteers assisting with kitchen and meal service activities.

Driving/Travel Requirements

• None.

Other Duties

• All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that as employees they will support its mission.
• This job description is not all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions of the position. The supervisor may assign other duties, responsibilities, and tasks.