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Shelter Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Center for Human Services

Shelter Cook

Modesto, CA · On-site

$19 - $19.95/hr

The Shelter Cook is responsible for planning and preparing economical, healthy meals for all shelter residents; for the upkeep and maintenance of the shelter kitchen, appliances, and pantries; and ...

New

Center for Human Services

Shelter Cook

Modesto, CA

$19 - $19.95/hr

The Shelter Cook is responsible for planning and preparing economical, healthy meals for all shelter residents; for the upkeep and maintenance of the shelter kitchen, appliances, and pantries; and ...

New

Youth Futures

Shelter Monitor

Ogden, UT · On-site

$16/hr

Ensuring access to nutritious food, serving and documenting meals throughout the day as set out in the weekly menu, and managed by the shelter's Cook * Monitoring and reporting healthcare needs or ...

Youth Futures

Shelter Monitor

Saint George, UT · On-site

Ensuring access to nutritious food, serving and documenting meals throughout the day as set out in the weekly menu, and managed by the shelter's Cook * Monitoring and reporting healthcare needs or ...

Youth Futures

Shelter Monitor

Ogden, UT · On-site

$16/hr

Ensuring access to nutritious food, serving and documenting meals throughout the day as set out in the weekly menu, and managed by the shelter's Cook * Monitoring and reporting healthcare needs or ...

Youth Futures

Shelter Monitor

Saint George, UT

$16/hr

Ensuring access to nutritious food, serving and documenting meals throughout the day as set out in the weekly menu, and managed by the shelter's Cook * Monitoring and reporting healthcare needs or ...

Youth Futures

Shelter Monitor

Saint George, UT · On-site

$16/hr

Ensuring access to nutritious food, serving and documenting meals throughout the day as set out in the weekly menu, and managed by the shelter's Cook * Monitoring and reporting healthcare needs or ...

Youth Futures

Shelter Monitor

Ogden, UT · On-site

$16/hr

Ensuring access to nutritious food, serving and documenting meals throughout the day as set out in the weekly menu, and managed by the shelter's Cook * Monitoring and reporting healthcare needs or ...

Brooklyn Community Services

$18/hr

Cook - 3rd Avenue Women's Shelter Program/Department: Health Housing Homelessness Solutions Reports to: Program Director Work Location: 968 3rd Avenue, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY 11232 Hours ...

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How much do shelter cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for shelter cook in the United States is $16.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shelter cook, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Shelter Cook, you need strong culinary skills, food safety knowledge, and experience in meal preparation for large groups, often supported by a food handler's certification. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and sanitation procedures is typically required. Compassion, adaptability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for creating a positive environment and responding to the unique needs of shelter residents. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safe, nutritious meal service and fostering a supportive atmosphere in high-demand settings.

What is the difference between Shelter Cook vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectShelter CookKitchen Assistant
CredentialsFood handler's permit, basic cooking skillsNone typically required, may need food safety training
Work EnvironmentSoup kitchens, shelters, community centersSupport roles in kitchens, assisting chefs and cooks
Employer & IndustryNonprofit organizations, social servicesRestaurants, cafeterias, shelters
Job FocusPreparing meals for shelter residentsAssisting with food prep, cleaning, and basic tasks

The Shelter Cook is primarily responsible for preparing meals in shelter settings, often requiring basic food safety certifications. The Kitchen Assistant supports kitchen operations by assisting with food prep and cleaning, usually with fewer credentials. While both roles work in food service environments, the Shelter Cook has a more direct cooking role, whereas the Kitchen Assistant provides essential support to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What are some common challenges faced by a shelter cook, and how can they be managed effectively?

Shelter Cooks often face challenges such as managing limited food supplies, accommodating diverse dietary needs, and preparing meals for large groups on a tight schedule. To handle these effectively, it's important to plan menus in advance, stay flexible with recipes, and work closely with shelter staff to ensure all residents' nutritional requirements are met. Building strong communication with volunteers and other team members also helps streamline meal preparation and service, making the kitchen run more efficiently.

What does a shelter cook do?

A Shelter Cook is responsible for preparing and serving nutritious meals to individuals residing in shelters, such as homeless shelters or emergency housing facilities. Their duties often include planning menus, managing food inventory, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and ensuring meals meet dietary needs and safety standards. Shelter Cooks may also coordinate with volunteers, receive food donations, and adapt recipes based on available ingredients. They play a vital role in supporting the well-being of shelter residents by providing consistent, healthy meals in a compassionate environment.
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What cities are hiring for Shelter Cook jobs?

Cities with the most Shelter Cook job openings:

What states have the most Shelter Cook jobs?

States with the most job openings for Shelter Cook jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Shelter Cook jobs look for?

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Shelter Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shelter Cook job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,340 per year, or $16 per hour.

Shelter Cook

Center for Human Services

Modesto, CA • On-site

$19 - $19.95/hr

Part-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position Summary: The Shelter Cook is responsible for planning and preparing economical, healthy meals for all shelter residents; for the upkeep and maintenance of the shelter kitchen, appliances, and pantries; and for managing and utilizing donated and purchased food items utilized by shelter residents.
Duties:
  1. Prepares dinner to be served five to seven days a week; prepares daily continental breakfast menu; coordinates meal and serving supplies for all adult and teen shelter residents.
  2. Coordinates Meal Train Volunteers and donations.
  3. Prepares menus that takes into consideration the varying health and cultural needs of shelter residents.
  4. Prepares menus and clear written instructions for preparation and serving of meals on days when not on duty.
  5. Utilizes donated foods as much as possible, and constructs weekly shopping lists, taking food donations into consideration.
  6. Maintains a clean and orderly shelter kitchen and pantry area, including regular and thorough cleaning of appliances, walls, cabinets, shelves, etc.
  7. Organizes donated shelter food stock, regularly rotating donated foods for storage to shelter pantry, and ensuring that food items in freezers and refrigerators are covered and labeled appropriately.
  8. Ensures expired food is properly disposed of.
  9. Responsible for partnering with YNC Operations Manager to ensure kitchen is well maintained; including refrigerators and freezers maintaining temperatures, cleaning mechanisms reach required sanitation levels etc.
  10. Monitors shelter clients as they serve meals to ensure adherence to all required guidelines.
  11. Recycles kitchen waste whenever possible.
  12. Maintains all necessary written documentation as required by the health department, Child and Adult Care Food Program, USDA, and other governing bodies and/or funders.
  13. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  1. Must be at least 21 years of age and possess or have the ability to obtain a safe service handlers card (managers course) within 30 days of employment.
  2. One to two years previous experience cooking in either a group residential or commercial setting.
  3. Stand for extended periods of time; ability to move around the facility and to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and reach repeatedly.
  4. Lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds routinely and 75 pounds occasionally.
  5. Tolerate exposure to noise and heat in a kitchen/shelter environment.
  6. Ability to handle crisis situations and decide appropriate course of action.
  7. Follow proper procedures for healthy and sanitary preparation and serving of meals.
  8. Must possess basic computer skills.
  9. Pass agency paid criminal justice screening including fingerprints.
  10. Pass agency paid health screening and/or drug testing, if required.
  11. Valid California drivers license and proof of auto insurance coverage.
  12. Pass agency paid MVR clearance with no more than 2 points - if you are under the age of 25 our insurance company will not allow any points.
  1. Represent the agency in a professional and competent manner.
  2. Advocate for the best interests of the agency and clients we serve.
  3. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, clients, supervisors and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, ancestry, political affiliation, citizenship, disability, medical conditions, marital status, amnesty and military or veteran status.
  4. Will promote and support a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce and be responsive to the population within our service area.
  5. Maintain confidentiality and confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or agency regulations.
  6. Participate in assigned scheduled agency meetings, in-service trainings, conferences and other trainings as determined by the supervisor. This includes serving as an agency representative at assigned community meetings.
  7. Observance of assigned working hours and program appointments by demonstrating promptness and thorough preparation.
  8. Performance of assigned duties with a positive attitude and in the spirit of teamwork, collaboration and cooperation.
  9. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  10. Perform job duties in a safe manner to ensure a safe working environment for oneself and others.
  11. Participates in and/or supports agency fund development activities and events.
  12. Preparation of assigned reports, work records, statistical data, job performance evaluations, work plans, etc. in a timely manner.

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