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Shelter Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shelter Monitor_NE-TX_602-Lodge

Mcallen, TX

$16.25 - $20/hr

Assists residents staying in the Corps shelter overnight; performs client intake procedures and ... Housekeeping and Chore Distribution Responsibilities (30%) Assigns daily cooking, cleaning, and ...

Youth Engagement Specialist

Saint George, UT · On-site

$33K - $38K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Youth Engagement Specialist

Saint George, UT · On-site

$33K - $38K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Shelter Monitor_NE-TX_602-Lodge

Odessa, TX

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients in order to control, lead, and motivate behavior. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective ...

Shelter Monitor_NE-TX_602-Lodge

Odessa, TX

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients in order to control, lead, and motivate behavior. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective ...

Shelter Monitor

Paris, TX

$13 - $16/hr

An internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization,has an opening fora Shelter ... Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients ...

Shelter Monitor

Paris, TX

$13 - $16/hr

An internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization,has an opening fora Shelter ... Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients ...

Shelter Monitor

Paris, TX

$13 - $16/hr

An internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization,has an opening fora Shelter ... Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients ...

Shelter Monitor

Paris, TX

$13 - $16/hr

An internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization,has an opening fora Shelter ... Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients ...

Shelter Monitor (Center of Hope)

Houston, TX · On-site

$44K - $49K/yr

Job Summary Assists residents staying in the Corps shelter overnight; performs client intake ... Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients ...

Job Summary Assists residents staying in the Corps shelter overnight; performs client intake ... Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients ...

Showing results 41-60

Shelter Cook information

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$8

$16

$22

How much do shelter cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.
More about Shelter Cook jobs

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:

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.

$16.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Salvation Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

573rd of 772 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization, has an opening for a Shelter Monitor for the Emergency Shelter Department located at McAllen, Texas.
Job Summary: Assists residents staying in the Corps shelter overnight; performs client intake procedures and prepares client intake records; monitors the activity of residents on an assigned shift ensuring safety, security, and compliance to house rules; maintains accurate and complete records and logs containing pertinent information; ensures that facility is maintained in a neat and proper order.
Building Security Responsibilities (40%) Ensures clients comply with house rules; checks client's baggage for drugs, alcohol, weapons, and pornography; records incidents and notifies supervisor of any special circumstances or unusual problems; ensures security of facility and clients; arms and disarms alarms in accordance with lodge policy; locks and secures area inappropriate for client entry. Conducts routine checks of the facilities to ensure that all doors are locked and that nothing is amiss; locks doors to ensure security of the facilities.
Responds to emergencies in a calm manner and initiates appropriate actions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Intake and Discharge Responsibilities (30%) Answers telephone and responds to questions regarding the shelter operations.
Performs client intake procedures including running sexual offender checks; checks clients into the shelter; prepares and monitors client intake cards; prepares and maintains resident roster. Orients new clients to the program and prepares case records to facilitate case management, records daily statistics. Administers sexual offender checks, Breathalyzer testing, and drug testing of clients as needed.
Prepares and distributes meal and shower tickets, assigns bed numbers; distributes towels, linens, and personal hygiene items; secures and distributes client medications as required.
Housekeeping and Chore Distribution Responsibilities (30%) Assigns daily cooking, cleaning, and maintenance chores to clients and ensures completion of such; as needed, participates in the cleaning and maintenance of facilities, supplies, and equipment; inspects facility on a routine basis to ensure compliance with established standards; ensures return and accountability of The Salvation Army property (linens, etc.).
Other Responsibilities: Verifies client employment; verifies if clients are in the hospital as well as the length of their stay. Communicates with first responders in emergency situations. Informs supervisor of any referral issues as they arise. Performs other duties as assigned.
Materials and Equipment: General Office Equipment; Intercom System; General Cleaning Equipment; Defibrillator
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same. Knowledge of general office procedures and practices. Knowledge of basic record keeping practices and procedures.
Knowledge of proper cooking methods and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively with clients in order to control, lead, and motivate behavior. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of people and remain sensitive to their concerns.
Ability to work independently and with limited supervision while enforcing established policies and procedures. Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Education and Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D. required, and One-year prior experience performing security or social services work in a shelter or similar environment, or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Certifications: Valid State Drivers License (Preferred); Food Handlers Certification (or ability to obtain within established timeframe)
CPR or First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within established timeframe)
Physical Requirements: Ability to meet attendance requirements. Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively. Ability to perform data entry into a computer. Ability to respond to emergency situations quickly and calmly while maintaining control and initiating the proper corrective action. Ability to perform combinations of sitting, standing and walking on a frequent change basis. Distance of travel is usually within the same building. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light to heavy objects (up to 30 lbs.) occasionally.
Working Conditions: Work is performed in a residential facility where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt and the like.
Additional Comments: all employees The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.
To apply, please select the "Apply Now" icon at the bottom of this posting.
All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/ Disabled.

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About Salvation Army

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The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Industry

Non-profits, retail, amusement, gambling, and recreation and religious organizations

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alexandria, VA, US