Lead Cook

Job Description

Job Description

“Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.”

Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Health + Home is a growing non-profit organization dedicated towards disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children’s and family programs. IF currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro-communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.

Role

The Lead Cook oversees and participates in the daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation, while ensuring and adherence to health and safety standards. 

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and train kitchen staff on cooking techniques, recipes, and food safety procedures. 

• Delegate tasks, create daily prep lists, and assign work to kitchen personnel. 

• Lead by example, setting high standards for food quality and kitchen organization. 

• Act as a point of contact for staff to address issues and provide guidance. 

  Food Preparation and Execution : 

• Prepare and cook a variety of menu items, ensuring consistency and quality. 

• Oversee the production of hot and cold foods, including proteins, vegetables, starches, and sauces. 

• Maintain quality control, portion control, and consistency of dishes served.
  
   

• Health, Safety, and Sanitation : 

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health and food safety regulations. 

• Maintain overall cleanliness of the kitchen, workstations, and equipment. 

• Ensure proper handling, storage, and rotation of (FIFO) food items to minimize waste and maintain freshness. 
  
   

• Kitchen Operations and Management: 

• Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment, report any problems or maintenance needs to management.

• Assist with inventory management, including food stock levels and ordering supplies.

• Contribute to menu development and meal planning. 

• Participate in opening and closing procedures and attend meetings with management. 

• Demonstrate strong cooking and culinary skills. 

• Oversee daily kitchen operations including food preparation. 

• Maintain sanitation, inventory and stock levels, and provide leadership and training to staff.  

• Maintain efficiency of kitchen operations. 

• Maintain clear and effective communication with the culinary team, management, and other departments to ensure smooth operations. 

• Fulfill Illumination Foundation’s Guiding Principles of Integrity, Humility, Sustainable Compassion, Quest for Knowledge and Critical Thinking, Client-Centered Care, Innovation, Advocacy, and Stewardship and Compliance.  

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. 

• 2 years relevant experience. 

• A food handler’s license. 

• Sound knowledge of food health and safety regulation. 

• The ability to work as a team. 

• The ability to stand for long periods of time. 

• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 

• Excellent communication and leadership skills. 

• Exceptional organizational, time management, and problem solving skills. 

• Basic computer skills, including the ability to send and receive emails and summarize data in spreadsheets.  

• Valid CA Driver’s License and eligibility for company vehicle insurance.  

Preferred:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish. 

• Proficiency in Google Suite (Mail, Docs, Sheets, Calendar). 
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Benefits:

• Medical Insurance funded up to 91% by Illumination Foundation (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Foundation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 401K with Company Matching
• 10 days vacation PTO/year
• 6 days sick PTO/year
• 10 days holiday PTO/year
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loans

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