POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position: Cook
Supervisor: Kitchen Coordinator
Location: Laurelwood Shelter
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Wage: $24.50/hr
Eligible for Language Differential
Classification: Non-Exempt, Union Represented, Full-Time
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Cook is responsible for the daily preparation, cooking, and serving of meals for shelter participants in accordance with food safety standards and menu plans developed by the Kitchen Coordinator. This role helps create a respectful and supportive dining experience while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. The Cook works collaboratively with the Kitchen Coordinator, shelter staff, and volunteers to ensure timely and nutritious meal service.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Prepare, portion, and serve meals (breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner) according to menus provided by the Kitchen Coordinator, ensuring timely service and appropriate portioning.
- Package meals and assist with transportation and delivery to multiple shelter sites.
- Receive, store, and rotate donated and delivered food items (including from the Oregon Food Bank) in compliance with food safety and inventory guidelines.
- Support the unloading, labeling, and organization of food inventory to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
- Follow all food safety and sanitation standards, including proper handling, hygiene, and cooking temperatures.
- Maintain cleanliness of kitchen equipment, prep areas, storage spaces, and dishes; assist with dishwashing and post-meal cleanup.
- Complete required documentation such as kitchen checklists, temperature logs, and inventory tracking accurately and on time.
- Monitor inventory and kitchen supplies, reporting low stock, equipment issues, or maintenance needs to the Kitchen Coordinator.
- Provide basic guidance to volunteers or shelter staff assisting with meal service and contribute to a respectful, trauma-informed kitchen environment.
- Report any incidents, delays, or participant feedback related to meals or delivery and perform other duties as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Each Transition Projects employee must:
- Acquire First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 30 days of hire and be retested biannually thereafter throughout employment.
- Complete Bloodborne Pathogens and Narcan Training within 30 days of hire and be retested annually thereafter throughout employment.
- Demonstrate reliability by being present for work as scheduled, arriving and leaving on time and taking breaks in expected time frames.
- Interact effectively with persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations and treat each individual with respect and dignity.
- Attend agency and program staff meetings.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee, with or without accommodation, to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Hearing and vision adequate for interaction with participants, interaction with staff and interaction with the general public.
- Hearing adequate for telephone work. Vision adequate for close work.
- Hand and finger dexterity adequate to operate standard office equipment.
- Ability to walk, bend, stand, sit, reach, stoop, pull, squat, kneel, climb stairs and ladders
- Sitting at a desk completing paperwork and working on a computer for lengthy periods.
- Ability to perform CPR and other emergency life-saving care with the assistance of teammates until emergency responders arrive.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The right individual for this position has a passion for helping others and a desire to work in an organization that serves people who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.
- At least one year of experience in food preparation, cooking, or food service required.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
- Ability to follow basic recipes and prepare meals in large quantities.
- Current Oregon Food Handler’s Card or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in the delivery of services to participants.
- Strong time management skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Computer literacy. Demonstrated ability to use word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and Internet programs.
- Valid driver’s license, liability insurability and possession of reliable transportation required.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish or other commonly spoken languages in the community preferred, but not required.
Transition Projects, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, source of income, union participation or activities, or any other status legally protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
