Location: East Chicago, IN

Employees at Damar aren’t just part of a workforce — they’re part of a mission-driven team making a real difference in people’s lives.
Since 1967, Damar has been recognized across Indiana as one of the largest not-for-profit organizations and a leading provider of behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) services. We foster a united, purpose-driven culture where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to give their best. It’s no surprise Damar has been named a Top Workplace for several years!

Ready to make a real difference?
The Cook I is responsible for completing assigned kitchen responsibilities related to all food preparation. The Cook I will prepare meals, load food carts, and ensure the kitchen and equipment is maintained in a clean and sanitary manner.

What are the hours?

• 1st Shift (5:30am-1:30pm; Rotating Weekends)

 Here are just a few of the benefits you'll enjoy at Damar:

• Starting pay $17.36/hr
• Eligible for the Damar Advantage including discounts at Damar Health Services and Damar Pharmacy
• Comprehensive training in verbal intervention and physical management techniques
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• Up to $3,000 per year in Tuition Assistance
• Save for your retirement with our 401(k) Plan Participation
• Take care of loved ones through our Damar provided Life Insurance and additional voluntary options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance options
• Paid Holidays to spend time with loved ones
• Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and renewal

Remarkable ways you will be making a difference:

• Aids in maintaining a clean and organized storeroom and coolers / freezers by making sure to return product to its correct location, breaking down boxes as needed, and monitoring best by dates on food
• Assists in maintaining the cafeteria, kitchen, and equipment in a clean and sanitary manner which meets licensing requirements
• Completes all documentation and essential paperwork accurately and legibly as needed [sanitation logs, food temperature records, cleaning logs, etc.]
• Follow recipes and menus for cooking and preparing meals
• Reviews and accurately follows meal count information to ensure food items are accurately divided for meals occurring at both main and satellite kitchens

What you need to be considered:

• Prior work experience in a commercial kitchen preferred
• Basic math skills and reading/writing are required
• Minimum age of 18 per licensure requirements
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements for all Damar Programs as detailed in policy 1.HR.02 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks
• Valid Indiana driver’s license preferred
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen and physical required

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position require the physical ability and mobility needed to perform the job. This includes the ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs.; operate office equipment, including a computer keyboard; travel to other locations using private or commercial transportation; and communicate effectively to exchange information.

The position also requires the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to client behaviors, staff instructions, safety concerns, and emergencies in an environment where individuals may display aggressive, self-injurious, sexually maladaptive, elopement, or other unpredictable behaviors.

Regular and acceptable attendance, excluding approved absences and periods of leave, is also an essential function of the position.

Each essential function must be performed satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Damar is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all applicants. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access our job opportunities, complete an application, or participate in any part of the recruiting process, please contact Damar Human Resources at DamarHumanResources@damar.org. Requesting a reasonable accommodation will not adversely affect your consideration for employment.

Damar Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Damar makes equal employment opportunities available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, including hearing- or vision-related disabilities, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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