Job Description

Position Summary:

The Cook and Outreach Assistant (COA) ensures that Hearts outreach programs—both permanent and temporary—are consistently supported with the prepared food and supplies needed to meet program goals. This role is responsible for cooking large quantities of food, utilizing culinary skills and food safety practices, and coordinating both individual and group volunteers to assist with meal preparation and packaging.

In addition to daily operational responsibilities, the COA serves as a visible and welcoming representative of the organization. By engaging positively with volunteers, donors, and community partners, the COA helps foster a collaborative and mission-driven environment that reflects the values of Hearts. This role is essential to delivering not only meals, but dignity and care to the individuals and communities we serve.

Essential Functions:

Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations

• Cook and prepare hot and cold meals in large quantities (serving hundreds at a time) to meet the needs of outreach and partner programs
• Ensure all food handling, preparation, and storage practices comply with food safety standards and ServSafe guidelines
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas according to health regulations
• Monitor and manage kitchen inventory; order supplies and ingredients as needed
• Receive, sort, and stock food and supply deliveries, including donated goods
• Accept and organize both small- and large-scale food donations for ministry use
• Clean, organize, stock, and prepare the Mobile Soup Kitchen vehicle for nightly deployment

Outreach Program

• Supervise and lead individual and group volunteers in kitchen and outreach-related tasks
• Provide clear instruction, support, and encouragement to volunteers to ensure successful meal prep and event readiness
• Assist the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator with volunteer scheduling and communication
• Train volunteers in kitchen safety, food handling, and ministry best practices
• Support the execution of permanent and seasonal outreach programs, including mobile meal services and special events
• Coordinate logistics and food delivery for off-site outreach events and partner agencies
• Assist in organizing and staffing monthly mobile food pantry events and holiday giveaways
• Represent Hearts for the Homeless® at outreach events by engaging warmly with clients, volunteers, and community partners
• Tabulate meal counts, donation records, and volunteer participation; generate and share reports to inform operational decisions
• Assist in coordinating on-campus events and activities in collaboration with ministry staff
• Provide backup support to the campus thrift store retail team as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and daily operations of Hearts

Education Requirements and Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred 
• Servsafe Certification is required 
• Leadership or ministry involvement required
• 1-3 years of work experience in commercial cooking/kitchen environments and/or relevant field
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Can communicate with a diverse mix of volunteers, donors and supporters.
• Proficient in relevant technology including but not limited to smart phones, G-Suite, Microsoft Word/Excel 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and multi-tasking skills.
• Able to work effectively independently or part of a team.
• Must have reliable transportation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 to $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Vision insurance
• 401K

Schedule: Monday through Saturday 

Experience: 1-3 years of work experience in commercial cooking/kitchen environments and/or relevant field preferred

Work Remotely: No

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Work experience placement, Seasonal work, Remote work, Flexible hours, Night shift, Saturday,

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