Cook

Job Description:

About Us:

Elevare Behavioral Health provides substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment for adults. Our kitchen is part of the healing environment. Consistent, nourishing meals help clients stabilize and recover, and our cook plays an important role in each client's day.

Position Summary:

The Cook prepares and serves daily meals for our clients and runs the kitchen during their shift. The role includes helping with menu planning, inventory, and ordering. 

Full-Time | $20-22 HourlySchedule: Sunday–Wednesday, four 10-hour shifts

Job Duties 

• Prepare and serve meals following planned menus, recipes, and portion guidelines, with good presentation and minimal waste
• Assist with menu planning, including balanced meals, variety, and client preferences
• Prepare special and therapeutic diets, allergy-safe meals, and dietary restrictions
• Take inventory and help place vendor orders once a week, staying within budget
• Receive, inspect, label, date, and rotate (FIFO) all deliveries, and store food properly in freezers, reach-ins, and the walk-in
• Complete and maintain temperature logs, cooling logs, food service logs, and sanitation checklists for every shift
• Keep the kitchen clean, organized, and inspection-ready at all times for health department and state licensing reviews
• Handle meal setup, service, breakdown, dishwashing, and end-of-shift equipment shutdown
• Report equipment problems through maintenance requests and notify leadership
• Get leadership approval before making menu changes
• Keep the kitchen locked and secured when unattended, including sharps and chemical storage
• Treat clients with respect and professionalism, maintain confidentiality (42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA), and follow program policies and boundaries
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Responsibilities:

• Prepare special and therapeutic diets, allergy-safe meals, and dietary restrictions
• Take inventory and place vendor orders once a week; receive, label, rotate, and properly store all food and supplies
• Keep the kitchen clean, secure, and inspection-ready, and complete all temperature, food service, and sanitation logs each shift
• Treat clients with respect and professionalism, maintain confidentiality, and follow program policies
• Cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for clients, ensuring meals are served on time, at proper temperatures, and in correct portions

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Illinois-accepted Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification required (ServSafe Manager or another ANSI/ANAB-accredited exam), including Illinois-required allergen awareness training
• 2+ years of kitchen experience; experience cooking for large groups or in healthcare, residential, or institutional settings preferred
• Ability to follow special diet and allergy requirements accurately
• Reliable and organized, able to run a shift independently
• CPR/First Aid certification,
• High school diploma or GED Education

Physical Requirements: Stand and walk for most of a 10-hour shift; bend, reach, and crouch; safely handle hot and cold items; lift up to 50 lbs occasionally and up to 30 lbs frequently.

Experience

• Entry Level (0-2 years)

Benefits/Perks:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance

Location:

Elgin, IL