Assistant Cook (37.5 Hour) (Office/On-site)

CT; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Assistant Cook to support kitchen operations at the Rocky Hill campus. The role focuses on simple food preparation, tray-line service, and ensuring timely meal assembly for Veterans in long-term care settings.

You will work 37.5 hours per week in a first shift (11:00 AM–7:00 PM) and contribute to a welcoming dining experience while maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Basic food preparation knowledge and ability to follow recipes.
• Ability to measure liquids and solids accurately.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and recipes.
• Ability to learn routines and follow kitchen procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tray-line service and meal assembly for patients/residents.
• Plate meals and assist with meal delivery in dining hall and care center.
• Ensure hot/cold foods are stored and served at correct temperatures.
• Support the kitchen team to maintain smooth operations.
• Adhere to kitchen safety, sanitation, and dietary compliance.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Simple food prep

Weights & measures

Interpersonal skills

Oral & written comms

Follow instructions

Math ability

Job description

Introduction

Looking for a stable kitchen role where your work makes a real difference? Join our team and help provide essential meals and care to Connecticut Veterans. The State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is seeking an Assistant Cook to help run our kitchen operations. In this role, you will focus on simple food preparation and keeping the patient tray line moving efficiently. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for steady, predictable hours in a supportive environment.

Position Highlights

• Department: Food Service
• Location: Rocky Hill, CT
• Work Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Work Schedule: First Shift, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Why the State of Connecticut

• Explore our comprehensive State Employee Benefits Overview to see what we offer
• Enjoy endless opportunities for professional growth and development
• Embrace a healthy work/life balance tailored to all employees

As a DVA Assistant Cook, you will:

• Participate in the tray line service, ensuring timely and accurate meal assembly for patients and residents with varying dietary requirements
• Contribute to a welcoming dining experience by preparing and plating meals for Veterans in the dining hall and assisting with meal delivery to the healthcare center
• Assist in ensuring hot and cold foods are stored and served at appropriate temperatures
• Work side-by-side with your team to support all aspects of food service and ensure a smooth and efficient food service
• Adhere to all kitchen protocols, including food safety, sanitation, and dietary compliance
• Perform related duties as required

More About Us

For over 140 years the State of Connecticut DVA has been caring for its Veterans and their dependents. As a Department, we believe in 'serving those who have served.' Our Rocky Hill campus includes residential facilities and the Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center. As a member of our food service team, you will be providing meals to Veterans in both supportive living and long-term care settings.

Serving Veterans Starts Here

"Working in the Food Service department at the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Our team is dedicated to upholding the DVA motto, 'Serving Those Who Served,' by providing high-quality, nutritious meals that offer both comfort and care. We aim to create a welcoming and supportive environment where our veterans feel honored and appreciated. The dedication and passion of our food service staff are evident in every meal, and it’s an honor to contribute to the well-being of those who have served our country."

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

This class is accountable for performing a full range of basic tasks in the preparation and cooking of food.

Examples of Duties

• Performs a variety of basic tasks in preparing soups, salads, meats, vegetables, desserts, beverages, nourishments, etc.;
• Cleans, washes, polishes pots, pans, dishes, silverware, kitchen equipment, floors, walls, etc.;
• Operates kitchen machines and equipment;
• Assists with the receiving and storage of food;
• May participate in serving food and packing food for delivery;
• May receive training in the preparation of food on a large scale;
• May prepare food in the absence of the cook;
• May assist in the preparation of production records;
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• simple food preparation
• liquid and dry weights and measures
• interpersonal skills
• oral and written communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions and learn routines
• Mathematical ability

Minimum Qualifications

Any experience and training which would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing customer service.
• Experience working in a high-volume (600 meals per day) institutional setting.
• Experience following food safety standards and Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations.
• Experience using kitchen equipment including but not limited to, knives, peelers, mixers, blenders, and dish machines.
• Experience preparing and serving complete daily meals.

Physical Requirements

• Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
• Incumbents must be free from communicable diseases.
• A physical examination may be required.

Working Conditions

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to risk of injury from equipment and utensils used in the kitchen and from patients/clients.

Eligibility and Background Check

This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm work authorization.