Position Title: Cook
Supervised By: Program Staff Manager
Status: Full Time (Non-Exempt)
Shift: Friday - Tuesday; 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Wage: $18.50 - $20.50/hr is the initial hiring range and is based on previous experience
About us: Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. Located in Uptown, Sarah's Circle has provided support for thousands of women since 1979.
This position works in the Interim Housing Program which is a 50-bed facility that is open 24/7 and offers supportive services to help women transition to permanent housing.
Summary
The Cook is responsible for providing meals for participants at the Daytime Support Center and/or Interim Housing Program as assigned, which includes preparing menus while serving clients with dignity and respect in a trauma-informed manner. The Cook oversees food ordering, delivery, and inventory to ensure efficient use of food products. The Cook ensures the availability of two to three meals daily, depending on location and program needs. The Cook also maintains cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area. Specific work hours and location are determined based on program need and related flexibility.
Responsibilities
Food programming
- 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)
- Place orders for all menu items and kitchen supplies and receive deliveries
- 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 Coordinator (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
Other
- Participate in supervision meeting with direct supervisor
- Attend staff meetings, as instructed by supervisor
- Participate in Sarah’s Circle annual Winter Walk, as requested
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 you are 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. You will be 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 and/or a history of trauma preferred
Health and Safety Requirements
- Ability to lift approximately 40lbs
- Ability to stand for 4 to 6 hours
- Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $18.00 - $20.50 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience level:
Shift:
Weekly day range:
Application Question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and/or a history of trauma?
- Are you able to work Fridays - Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- Cooking: 2 years (Preferred)
- menu planning: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Food Manager Certification (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Chicago, IL 60640 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60640: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person