Cook II

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

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? Join us in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism. Damar is currently seeking a Cook II to join our team! This is a promotional position earned through consistent, high-level performance and demonstrated mastery across all kitchen areas. This individual is not only proficient in general food preparation but has also shown expertise in meeting complex dietary needs, including special and therapeutic diets. The Cook II plays a key role in supporting both day-to-day kitchen operations and extended services, such as catering and off-premise events. They are expected to lead by example, provide guidance to fellow kitchen staff, and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety in all aspects of foodservice.

Shift: Dinner Shift (10:00 am - 6:30-7 pm)

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:

• Have a part in preparing and providing all meals for our clients and staff
• Review and accurately follow meal count information to ensure client safety
• Assist in maintaining the kitchen and equipment in a clean and sanitary manner
• Acts as an extension of the Food and Nutrition leadership team, including providing guidance and assistance to other team members

• Serves as a resource and role model to other kitchen staff, helping guide workflow, troubleshoot issues, and maintain quality standards across all areas of foodservice operations

• Anticipates, identifies, and troubleshoots kitchen or paperwork errors and challenges to achieve a successful outcome

• Demonstrates expertise in preparing and modifying meals for clients with special and therapeutic dietary needs, ensuring accuracy, presentation, and compliance with prescribed diets

• Assists with planning, preparation, and execution of catering services and off-premises foodservice events, ensuring all logistics, safety, and quality standards are met

What you need to be considered:

• 2 years of kitchen experience, preferably in an institutional or commercial kitchen

• Strong math skills and reading/writing are required

• Experience in supporting catering or event-based food service preferred

• Completes ServSafe Manager certification within 6 months of hire

• Completes Food and Nutrition food truck training within 12 months of hire

• Minimum age of 18 per licensure requirements
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record that meets eligibility requirements of Damar’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving)
• Be clear of any felony convictions, substantiated charges of neglect or other disqualifying criminal convictions
• Successfully complete a pre-employment physical
• Favorably meet and maintain Damar’s background screening

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