Lead Cook

Job Title: Lead Cook

FLSA Status: Full Time - non-exempt 
Reports to: Cafe Manager 

Schedule: 40W M-F 8:00AM – 4:30PM
Supervises: n/a

Rate of Pay: $22.00 USD hourly

Closing Date: 5/28/2026

Benefits: Standard; Full-Time, Non-Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following: 

• Health, vision, dental, life as well as voluntary life and disability insurance
• Sick leave benefit – 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
• Vacation benefit – 10 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0385 hours for each hour worked, excluding overtime (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
• One floating day off for use (accrued immediately, and again annually, but may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory period of employment)
• Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
• Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b)plan)

Position Summary

Responsible for the preparation, setup, and cleanup of meals for Seniors/Community programs, Veterans, and the Family Hope Center. Maintain a high standard of customer service while working with and directing volunteers. Ensure the kitchen, walk-in refrigerator and freezer, dry storage, and canteen are consistently clean, organized, and properly stocked. Oversee sorting and packaging of meat and other donations for distribution. Maintain knowledge of health department rules and regulations and ensure full compliance at all times.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Ensure the kitchen is clean and all health and safety standards are consistently met

· Maintain working knowledge of health code standards and regulations; ensure full compliance

· Keep the refrigerator and freezer clean, organized, labeled, and properly rotated

· Maintain dry storage in an organized manner with proper product rotation

· Supervise volunteers in food service tasks including setup, cooking, and cleanup for weekday senior lunches, RJ Center meals, and the Soup Run (Monday–Friday)

· Adhere to all health code regulations and required reporting

· Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, dining room, and food delivery canteen

· Train and supervise kitchen personnel in proper cooking techniques, food safety, work safety, and sanitation practices

· Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure volunteers and community service workers complete required hours and documentation

· Assist with meal preparation and service independently as needed

· Cross-train as Colorado Café Manager to provide coverage during absences

· Develop menus based on product availability and needs of programs along with working knowledge of USDA guidelines

· Other duties as assigned

 

Education/Experience

· High School Diploma or GED

· Must hold a valid food card certificate to meet Health Department standards for a licensed food service kitchen

· Experience in institutionalized cooking

Skills

· Ability to work independently with little or no supervision

· Ability to read, interpret, and follow recipes

· Ability to plan balanced meals utilizing donated items while also following USDA guidelines

· Ability to work with a diverse population in a professional manner

Qualities

· Team player

· High integrity

· Personable

· Supportive of The Salvation Army’s mission

· Able to reflect and model the high standards of our organization

Requirements

· Driving

This position requires driving:

• The employee must be 21 years old at minimum (for insurance provision) and possess a valid in-state driver’s license
• An MVR will be processed every year in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies

· Background Check

o Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies

· Physical

o Ability to maneuver, to remain in a stationary position, to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead, to lift 25 pounds, to access and produce information from the computer, to operate telephone, to understand written information

o Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A request to modify or adjust these requirements may be made to your supervisor and HR. The Salvation Army would attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and presents no undue hardship.