Cook (Interim Housing Shelter) in Chicago, Illinois at Sarahs Circle

Position Title: Cook

Supervised By: Interim Housing Manager (2nd shift) or Daytime Support Center Manager

Status: Full Time (Non-Exempt)

Shift: Friday-Tuesday; 10:30 am - 6:30pm

Wage: $19 - $22.50/hr based on experience

About us: Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. Our programs have three overarching goals:

• We welcome all women with safety, respect, and community.
• Support women's growth in all aspects of wellness: physical, emotional, life skills, economic, and the realization of their unique potential.
• Help each woman find her home.

This position works primarily in the Interim Housing (IH) Program which is a 50-bed, long-term shelter that serves women who are homeless and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Women living in the program have access to resources to meet basic needs, 3 meals a day, supportive services, and case management to help them find permanent housing.

This Cook works as a one person team in the kitchen, cooking lunch and dinner for the 50 women living in the program.

Summary

The Cook plans the menus, cooks the meals, and serves clients with dignity and respect in a trauma-informed manner. The Cook assists with food ordering, delivery, and inventory to ensure efficient use of food products. The Cook also maintains cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain weekly food menus, and make adjustments as needed.
• Develop menus that meet USDA dietary guidelines and make adjustments for those with health conditions (such as diabetes)
• Assist supervisor with food & kitchen supply ordering, delivery, and inventory
• Maintain organized pantries, refrigerators, and freezers
• Assemble and provide bagged lunches
• Prepare meals in advance of time off and have meals prepared for unexpected absences
• Notify all necessary parties of absences and plan for food for the day of absence
• Ensure that all food is stored in accordance with sanitation guidelines
• Clean and sanitize food preparation and storage areas including maintaining ovens and grill
• When facility repairs are needed (related to kitchen areas), ensure complete reporting to the designated staff member
• Maintain appropriate inspections and licensures
• As appropriate, collaborate with the Development Associate related to food programming and meals provided by volunteers. When volunteers are providing a meal during the cook’s working hours, provide guidance and assistance.
• Collaborate with staff to coordinate organization of kitchens in both locations
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision meetings, and Sarah’s Circle events as instructed by supervisor

Competencies

• Dependability: attends work regularly, submits accurate documentation, and seeks guidance when needed
• Teamwork: establishes collaborative relationships with staff and volunteers
• Receptiveness: accepts feedback and identifies areas of growth
• Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly (both written and verbally), seeks solutions, and demonstrates flexibility
• Integrity: keeps sensitive information confidential and adheres to personnel policies
• Initiative: brings questions to supervisor and seeks opportunities for further development

Qualifications

Education

• Food Service Manager Certification and City of Chicago License required
• If an employee is not already certified, Sarah’s Circle will pay the cost for a Food Service Manager Certification course, a Food Manager exam fee, and the application fee for the City of Chicago license. Employee is responsible to complete the course and pass the exam outside of work hours within 90 days of hire and to apply for the Chicago license within 120 days of hire.
• High school diploma/GED preferred

Job Experience

• At least two years of cooking experience in a food service establishment
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or a history of trauma preferred

Health and Safety Requirements

• Physical ability to lift approximately 40lbs, sit, bend, reach, and perform cleaning duties
• Ability to stand for 4 to 6 hours
• Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials
• Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law

Benefits include: medical, dental, and vision insurance; employer-paid life insurance; 401(k) with 100% match up to 6%; generous PTO and paid sick leave; 11 paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program; disability coverage options; leave benefits; and eligibility for annual staff bonuses.