Position: Cook
Location: Greater Hartford Area Services (GHAS), Marshall House Shelter (Hartford, CT)
Status: Non-exempt, Part-time Plus
Hours Per Week: 21
Schedule: Thursday, Friday, & Saturday; 8:00 am–3:00 pm (includes two 15-minute paid breaks per day)
Supervisor(s): Housing Support Supervisor
Supervisee(s): Volunteers & Clients

Scope of Position: Prepare and serve meals, maintain accurate records and files, order/purchase food and other items, inventory and track items delivered, store items, keep kitchen and storage areas clean and stocked, train employees and volunteers, respond to concerns, attend workshops and meetings, plan and implement menus, and ensure the kitchen complies with various regulations.

Essential Duties:

• Arrange for coverage when unable to work as scheduled.
• Attend workshops, meetings, and training sessions to stay informed of regulations and changes as requested by your supervisor.
• Ensure that the kitchen, dining areas, and storage areas are cleaned and stocked, and food is handled according to the rules and regulations of The Salvation Army, the Foodbank, the Health Department, etc.
• Maintain accurate records, including daily temperature checks, recipes, in-kind donation forms, and menu changes.
• Oversee volunteer groups to ensure that proper kitchen procedures are being followed.
• Pick up food orders as requested by the supervisors. Perform necessary errands to procure food and supplies as needed and requested by the supervisor.
• Prepare and serve scheduled meals and snacks according to the menu, using standardized recipes. The supervisor must approve all menu changes in advance.
• Prepare breakfast, snacks, and frozen meals to be served by shelter staff before shift ends; ensure all ingredients and components are available, arrange for alternatives, and provide proper dates, labels, and instructions.
• Prepare the monthly menu with the supervisor.
• Promptly respond to concerns related to the kitchen and work directly with the supervisor on all issues.
• Provide or arrange alternatives in case of food allergies, dietary restrictions, or other special needs.
• Receive food and related items, check all orders for accuracy, ensure proper storage upon delivery, and process food invoices.
• Regularly inventory all food and related items to ensure adequate supplies are available; discard expired foods and products.
• Secure the kitchen and dining area upon the conclusion of each meal service, if necessary.
• Wash, sanitize, dry, and store all items to prepare and serve meals, and sanitize surfaces and counters.
• Must be willing to complete and maintain required training and certifications related to program operations as required by The Salvation Army

Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of cooking experience are required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the work environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other personnel, service providers, and professionals.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and under pressure.
• Able to read and follow standardized recipes and instructions.
• Basic computer knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with the population served preferred; sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.
• Fluency in the English language is required; Spanish-speaking ability is preferred.
• Knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
• Must be able to attend mandatory training and staff meetings and work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be empathetic and caring.
• Organized, able to multitask, and have strong communication skills.
• QFO (qualified food operator)/ServSafe certification required.
• Strong knowledge of proper food handling.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.
• Will respect and promote the interests of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect The Salvation Army's mission.

The Salvation Army is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits program to full-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week, including...

• Comprehensive health care coverage, including dental/vision/hearing, with low-cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductibles
• Employer-funded pension plan (100% vested after five years of eligible service)
• Telehealth/online doctor visits
• $20K basic life insurance, including grief counseling services, funeral planning services, and will/power of attorney/legal document preparation (no cost to employee) 
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)
• Long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental insurance options (Aflac, homeowners, auto, and pet insurance)
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care
• 403(b) traditional (pre-tax) or Roth (after-tax) retirement plan options
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and marriage leave 
• Most importantly – a job with a great purpose, inspiring you to make a difference every day! 

Learn more about The Salvation Army's Southern New England Division at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usa-eastern-territory/southern-new-england/ 

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.