Cook

Description

Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

The Cook works under the direction of the Kitchen Manager and is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving meals in accordance with approved menus, dietary guidelines, and health regulations. This role supports a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic environment for residents. If you’re passionate about preparing nutritious meals and creating a positive dining experience for individuals in recovery, we’d love to meet you.

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute
• Prepare and cook meals according to approved menus and dietary requirements
• Ensure all meals are served on schedule
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen and food storage areas
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards
• Monitor inventory and assist with ordering supplies
• Accommodate special dietary needs, including allergies and medical restrictions
• Work collaboratively with staff to support a positive dining experience
• Provide respectful, supportive service to clients, including those with complex needs
• Assist with vocational training activities related to work and educational goals
• Maintain positive relationships with clients, staff, neighbors, and community partners
• Attend required trainings and maintain all necessary certifications
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Previous cooking experience required; experience in a residential or healthcare setting preferred
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and sanitation practices
• Current Food Handler’s Card required
• Ability to pass a drug test, background check, and provide a negative TB test
• Must be free of probation or parole for at least one year
• Clean driving record
• Strong organizational, time-management, and teamwork skills
• Solid paperwork and computer skills; ability to maintain accurate records
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Must meet all agency and contract requirements for training, reporting, and certifications
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English preferred
• On-site position. 
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.

Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Pre-Employment:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.