Weekend Cook

About Baltimore Outreach Services

Baltimore Outreach Services (BOS) is a residential shelter serving women experiencing homelessness and their children. We provide a safe, supportive environment where families can rest, heal, and recover. We are seeking a dependable, experienced, and service-oriented Weekend Cook to support our kitchen operations and ensure residents receive safe, nutritious, and well-prepared meals.

Position Summary

The Weekend Cook is responsible for preparing and serving meals for shelter residents on Saturdays and Sundays. Working within established menus, kitchen procedures, and food safety guidelines, the successful candidate will help maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen while ensuring meals are prepared and served on schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals according to established menus and meal schedules.
• Ensure food is properly handled, cooked, stored, and served in accordance with food safety standards.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures and follow proper sanitation procedures.
• Keep the kitchen, cooking equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas clean and organized.
• Wash dishes and ensure kitchen areas are cleaned after meal preparation and service.
• Monitor food supplies and notify the Kitchen Manager of low inventory or restocking needs.
• Practice portion control and minimize food waste.
• Follow established kitchen policies, procedures, and instructions from the Kitchen Manager.
• Report equipment malfunctions, supply shortages, and food safety concerns promptly.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with residents and staff while contributing to a welcoming shelter environment.

Required Qualifications

• Current ServSafe certification required.
• Previous experience working in a commercial kitchen or comparable food service environment.
• Knowledge of food preparation, food safety, sanitation, and proper food storage.
• Ability to prepare meals efficiently and maintain cleanliness in a busy kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and time management.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently while following established procedures.
• Ability to work respectfully with women and children from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible Availability: Must be flexible and available to work additional shifts during the week, as needed, to support kitchen operations and provide coverage when the Kitchen Manager is unavailable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience preparing meals for groups or in a residential, institutional, or community food service setting.
• Familiarity with inventory monitoring, portion control, and minimizing food waste.
• A positive attitude, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to serving others.

Work Schedule

• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Candidates must be available to work both days consistently.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume highlighting their commercial kitchen experience and current ServSafe certification.

Interview and Selection Process

The selection process will consist of two stages:

1. Initial Phone Screening
Selected candidates will participate in a phone screening to discuss their relevant experience, ServSafe certification, availability, and suitability for the position.

2. In-Person Interview and Practical Cooking Assessment
Candidates who advance to the in-person interview will be required to demonstrate their kitchen and cooking skills on the same day. The practical assessment will include kitchen preparation, safe food handling, and preparing a meal for two individuals.

Candidates will be evaluated on food safety and sanitation, kitchen organization, meal preparation techniques, time management, and the quality of the finished meal.

Please Note: The practical cooking assessment is part of the interview and selection process and is unpaid. Candidates will be informed of the assessment requirements before their scheduled interview.

Join the Baltimore Outreach Services team and help provide nourishing meals in a safe, caring, and supportive environment for the families we serve.