Cook

Company: Union Rescue Mission
Location: Sylmar
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: Union Rescue Mission (URM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. We are dedicated to serving men, women, and children experiencing homelessness and providing comprehensive emergency and long-term services to help them escape the dangerous streets of Skid Row. Established in 1891, URM is now one of the largest rescue missions of its kind in the United States and the oldest in Los Angeles. Join us at Union Rescue Mission as we bring hope and share the compassion of Christ to those devastated by homelessness. POSITION SUMMARY: Prepare quality meals for any of the three meals served every day of the week (up to 300 meals per shift) and special events. This position frequently works alongside program residents and volunteers and is expected to be totally immersed in the day-to-day operations involved with running an institutional kitchen while practicing safe food handling standards and procedures. CORE WORK PRINCIPLE: Colossians 3:23 is the foundation of URM’s standard for employment, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.” The goal for each employee is to enrich and sustain a humble heart attitude; to enrich and sustain a mindset of serving others, treating them with kindness and truth; and to enrich and sustain a zealous desire for achieving work objectives without any ulterior motives or agendas. COOK ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Prepare, cooking and serve meals. Food prepared must meet quality and Serve-safe standards for taste, temperature (doneness) and visual appeal. Use all equipment in a safe manner according to proper procedures – stove, title skillet, kettle, convection ovens, can openers, knives, steam tables, ice wands, trash compactor, carts) Organizing storage rooms, food racks, labeling and dating and properly rotating food in coolers. Take inventory and check orders that arrive from the warehouse. Follow opening and closing procedures (i.e., ovens turned off, doors locked, all food properly stored) Ensures that high standards of sanitation, cleanliness and safety are always maintained throughout all kitchen areas. Establishes controls to minimize food and supply waste and theft. Establishes and maintains a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule for all kitchen areas and equipment. Periodically visits dining area when it is open to welcome guest. Provide direction to volunteers & apprentices. Supervise any individuals that are working on your shift. Train others on safety, food preparation & cooking, as needed. Displays constant behavior in Christian ministry. Keep close communication with Chaplains regarding program participants. Develop & maintain relationships with ministry & volunteers. Conduct other tasks and projects as assigned by the Kitchen Supervisor. Commitment to URM mission, vision, and core values. Encourage guests in their faith and growth in Jesus Christ. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Requires manual dexterity for regular repetitive finger motion and frequently reaching, pulling, pushing and lifting objects and operating equipment. May be exposed to handling hazardous materials such as broken glass WORK ENVIRONMENT: In general, the following conditions of the work environment are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job within the environment. The office/kitchen is clean, orderly, properly lighted, and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Requirements EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION/LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS: Minimum of 1 year of cooking experience (school cafeteria, prison, shelter) in preparing food for large volumes of people, preferred. Must be Serve-safe certified or certified with National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP). Minimum of 1 year of culinary school or similar vocational training, preferred. High school diploma or equivalent. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Must possess basic computer skills. Must be able to operate kitchen equipment properly. Must possess excellent organizational, time management and customer service skills. Salary Description $19.00-$21.40 (Depending on Experience)

Keywords: Union Rescue Mission, Laguna Beach , Cook, Hospitality & Tourism , Sylmar, California