Cook

Cook

At Hamilton Families, our mission is to end family homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1985, we have been meeting the most urgent needs of unhoused families in our community. Our programs specialize in preventing family homelessness when possible, providing shelter and transitional housing to families in times of need, supporting the wellbeing and academic achievement of children who experience homelessness, and quickly returning families to safe and stable housing throughout the Greater Bay Area. At Hamilton Families, we believe the San Francisco Bay Area is at its best when people from all backgrounds can start a life here, raise a family here, and thrive here. We envision a Bay Area where housing is accessible and affordable, where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and where all people and families have a safe and stable place to live. We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to our collective success. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures every team member feels respected, supported, and empowered.

We're excited to be adding a Cook to our growing team! This is an engaging and rewarding opportunity that plays an integral role within the organization. We are looking for someone who is passionate about working with our participants and contributing to the fight against homelessness. The Cook will report directly to the Operations Manager and be part of the Shelter Program. This position is responsible for providing nutritious meals in a clean and safe environment. Applicants must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

What Your Day Looks Like

• Prepare and cook meals to order, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, in a timely manner
• Follow standardized recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency and nutritional compliance (including CACFP standards when applicable)
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen workspace in accordance with local health and safety regulations
• Assist with food prep, including chopping, portioning, and storing ingredients
• Monitor food inventory and communicate supply needs to supervisors
• Ensure proper food storage, labeling, and rotation (FIFO practices)
• Accommodate dietary restrictions and special meal requirements as needed
• Support meal service operations, including serving food and interacting respectfully with families
• Assist with dishwashing and general kitchen cleanup duties
• Work collaboratively with team members to ensure efficient kitchen operation

What Makes You Successful in This Role

• Ability to work as part of a diverse team
• Flexible with hours, including evenings and weekends when needed
• Passionate about baking and skilled in making a variety of pastries and treats
• Experienced in cooking and preparing a variety of dishes
• Highly organized and able to juggle multiple tasks smoothly
• Commitment to Hamilton Families' mission and values
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

What You Bring

• Previous experience as a short order cook, line cook, or in a commercial kitchen preferred
• Knowledge of basic cooking techniques and kitchen equipment
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation standards (ServSafe certification preferred or ability to obtain)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Experience working in nonprofit, shelter, or community-based settings is a plus

We encourage applicants to apply even if they feel they do not meet all the listed criteria. We value diverse perspectives and believe in the potential for growth and development within our team. Your unique skills and experiences may be exactly what we need to succeed together.

Why Choose Us

• Our commitment to welcome all individuals creates a richness of viewpoints and keen ability to challenge established thinking
• Enjoy excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer matched 403(b) retirement plan
• Wellness and commuter benefit programs
• Paid time off and holidays

Our Values

• Resourceful
• Helpful/ "Yes, And"
• Growth Mindset
• Data Informed
• EDI: Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive

Salary Range: $23.50 per hour

Position Type: Non-Exempt

Union Representation: Yes

Schedule: Monday and Tuesday 12pm-8:30pm, Wednesday 6am-2:30pm, and Thursday and Friday 5am-1:30pm, off Saturday and Sunday

Location: 260 Golden Gate Avenue & 1631 Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Hamilton Families is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to our organization. We actively seek and prioritize diversity in our teams. We welcome applications from people with a variety of backgrounds and ages, including people of color, candidates with lived experiences, candidates in the LGBTQ+ community, and candidates who identify personally at any part of the gender spectrum. Additionally, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.