Cook
Shelter House
Cook
Shelter House
Nonprofit for housing and domestic violence support
Shelter House · Fort Belvoir, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-11-09
Workplace: on_site
Department: The Kennedy Shelter
Title: Cook (Full-time)
Department: Kennedy Emergency Shelter
Reports to: Kitchen Manager
Salary: $20-$21
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday (5:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Reporting: Assistant Director of Shelter Operations (ADSO)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
About Us:
Shelter House was established in 1981 as a grassroots responder to the homelessness crisis in Fairfax County. Since the organization’s inception, we have adapted and grown to meet community needs, all while working in partnership with government and private partners and community members. Today, Shelter House is a successful and reputable organization of over 200 employees committed to preventing and ending homelessness and domestic violence. In the last year, our compassionate team of individuals changed the lives of nearly 2,000 individuals, half of which were children. Our Culture is built from our Core Values of Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment (iC.A.R.E.)
About the Role:
Cooks are responsible for the efficient and safe operation of the Kennedy Shelter commercial kitchen. They will prepare and serve meals for the shelter residents.
How You Will Contribute:
Prepare and serve nutritional and well-balanced meals for each mealtime according to federal and state nutritional guidelines. Prepares and distributes bag lunches and/or late dinners for working residents
Ensures adequate stocking of essential food items in the refrigerator and self-serve areas
Checks supply, assist with unloading food deliveries and maintain inventories needed for kitchen operation within an established budget. Maintains inventory of perishable items and USDA commodities
Clean kitchen and equipment regularly to ensure sanitary food preparation conditions. Adhere to health department regulations.
Accept and label all food donations from the community.
Monitor and assist kitchen volunteers
Attend Shelter House staff meetings and training as directed by the direct supervisor and/or Director.
Models caring, concerned, and respectful attitude toward residents. Maintains adherence to resident guidelines and upholds shelter procedures
Serve meals to residents and accommodate any special needs or dietary requests
Responsible for working during inclement weather
Maintain current knowledge of emergency safety procedures and guidelines for kitchen and shelter
Provides exceptional customer service to our residents, addressing their needs with courtesy and kindness in a polite and professional manner.
Proficiently utilize Microsoft and Google Suites applications (including Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, email, calendar, drive, docs, etc.) as a part of day-to-day work requirements
Exemplify the Shelter House core values; Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment
Other duties as assigned
About You:
Required:
High school diploma or GED
1+ years of experience cooking in a commercial kitchen environment
Ability to operate commercial kitchen equipment
Willingness to work mornings, evenings and weekends when needed
Physical Requirements:
Benefits:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
401K contributions with a 4% employer match
13 Paid Holidays, 2 Floating Holidays and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off
Four Annual Employee Engagment Events
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: Shelter House is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. All employment-related decisions will be made and carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age (over 40), sex, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability unrelated to the individual's ability to perform his or her job or any other legally protected status. Shelter House will also provide reasonable accommodations to pregnant and qualified employees with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their job, and to employees with respect to their observance of their religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Any job applicant or employee who would like or needs an accommodation may request an accommodation by contacting the Human Resources department.
Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy:
Drug-Free Workplace: Shelter House is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon compliance with our Drug-Free Workplace Policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or marijuana in the workplace. Additionally, all subcontracts and purchase orders over $10,000 must include provisions ensuring a drug-free workplace.
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Nonprofit for housing and domestic violence support
Shelter House works to prevent homelessness and domestic violence among individuals and families in Northern Virginia. It runs emergency shelters, including Artemis House for domestic violence survivors, alongside permanent supportive housing for people facing barriers to stable housing. Its rapid rehousing programs pair help finding a home with short-term rental assistance and case management, while Family PASS adds employment support and financial coaching. The nonprofit works with local governments, volunteers and donors, drawing support from public funding, grants and charitable contributions. Founded in 1981, Shelter House is headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia.
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