Chef Assistant

Kids for the Future; New Jersey; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Twin Lakes Community in New Jersey seeks a Chef Assistant to support the Administrator and Dining Director in menu planning, supervise kitchen staff, and ensure meals are prepared following recipes and health regulations. You will prepare meals for residents, assist with special events, and maintain inventory while upholding CMS and health/SERV Safe standards.

Shift typically 10:30am-7pm, with potential 8am-4pm; weekend and holiday coverage required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Culinary experience for 2–5 years or culinary education.
• Serv Safe Certificate is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop menus for residents in collaboration with Administrator and Dining Director.
• Supervise food services staff and follow recipes to cook all meals.
• Prepare food for parties, celebrations, and special occasions.
• Adhere to health department rules and CMS/SERV Safe regulations.
• Maintain inventory of food and supplies and ensure food is visually appealing.

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Serv Safe Certificate

Job description

• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree NONE
• Manage Others No

Description

About Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes Community is a leader in senior services, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing on one campus. We also provide a primary care clinic, on-site therapy, EMT responders, home care, and adult day services. Serving 850 residents and supported by 450 employees, TLC is recognized among the nation’s most successful nonprofit Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC).

Our team delivers person-centered care in a supportive, engaging environment where connection, dignity, and wellness matter. Every role contributes to vibrant living, engaging experiences for residents across campus. TLC offers continuing education, career growth, and flexible scheduling to support work-life balance. Full time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. Be a part of something meaningful - join our team.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for working with Administrator and Dining Director to develop menus for residents, supervising food services staff, following menus and recipes to cook all meals, preparing food for parties, celebrations and special occasions, and adhering to all health department rules. In carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Chef Assistant must exercise creativity and ensure that food is delicious, appetizing and visually appealing in assigned neighborhood.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 1. Gather all foods needed for breakfast, lunch or dinner meals by following the menu.
• 2. Work directly with the chef and receive assignment for the day.
• 3. Wash, peel, cut and seed fruits and vegetables to prepare them for consumption.
• 4. Bake, roast, broil and steam meats, fish, vegetables, and other foods.
• 5. Weigh, measure and mix ingredients according to recipes or personal judgment, using various kitchen utensils and equipment.
• 6. Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting, smelling or piercing them with utensils.
• 7. Plate food in an attractive manor.
• 8. Able to lift, unload and move food and supplies, lift dishes to storage location.
• 9. Required to work independently or aid others in the cleaning of all items used in the serving and preparation of the meals.
• 10. Use kitchen equipment safely by operating electrical and mechanical equipment.
• 11. Maintain appropriate inventory of food and supplies.
• 12. Reports all unusual conditions, behaviors, and/or resident complaints to the supervisor.
• 13. Follow Uniform policy, Chef jacket, black pants, hair restraint, non-slip shoes, wedding band only no ring watch or earrings.
• 14. Must demonstrate knowledge of and comply with all CMS and NC health/SERV Safe regulations and procedures.
• 15. Must adhere to all facility and departmental Fire, Disaster, Threat, and Emergency procedures.
• 16. Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures in the performance of position responsibilities.
• 17. Must attend organizational or departmental conferences and/or services as scheduled.
• 18. May be required to perform other duties in keeping with the nature of this position which will not significantly alter the job requirements
• 19. Possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant it using good judgement and ethical conduct.Able to perform job duties and work independently with frequent interruptions
• 20. Able to organize, prioritize, and manage time, multiple tasks and projects.
• 21. Able to meet the physical demands and working environment of the position.
• 22. Able to follow procedures.

Shift: Mainly 10:30am-7pm, possibility 8am to 4pm; Must be able to work both weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Education and/or Experience

• High School Diploma/GED preferred.
• Culinary experience of 2-5 years or culinary education.

Certificates/Licenses Required

• Serv Safe Certificate is required.

Twin Lakes Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to administering all employment activities without discrimination and to considering qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion (including pregnancy and related conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran or military status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law; we provide reasonable accommodations for religious practices and for individuals with disabilities and foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are respected and all individuals feel secure, welcome, and h eard.