Cook Assistant

Community Education Network; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

80% employer-paid medical coverage

Full benefits package (Dental, Vision,

3% 401(k) match

Tuition assistance

PTO, sick/personal days, holidays

Job summary

It Takes A Village Leadership Academy in Bronzeville (Chicago, IL) seeks a dependable Cook Assistant to support the daily operation of the school nutrition program. You will help prepare and serve nutritious meals, follow recipes, and keep a clean, sanitary kitchen while supporting students and staff.

The ideal candidate values food safety, works well in a fast-paced environment, and collaborates with kitchen staff and school leadership to ensure meals meet USDA and NSLP standards.

Qualifications

• Must have High School Diploma or GED.
• Illinois Food Managers License required.
• Knowledge of food safety practices.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand long periods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and serving of meals.
• Follow recipes, portion sizes, and production records.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and sanitation.
• Assist with inventory and food storage.
• Support events requiring food preparation or service.

Skills

Following recipes

Teamwork

Food safety knowledge

Physical ability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Illinois Food Managers License

Job description

About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV):It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) is a beacon for educating and uplifting Black children and families across Chicago. We provide a culturally responsive, social justice–cente-red education that empowers students to become confident learners, critical thinkers, and changemakers.At ITAV, learning is joyful and transformative, teaching is innovative, and classrooms extend far beyond four walls. We are committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—while building strong, connected communitiesPosition OverviewIt Takes A Village Leadership Academy is seeking a dependable and team-oriented Cook Assistant to support the daily operation of the school nutrition program at our Bronzeville K–8 Campus. Working with a team Cooks, the Cook Assistant helps prepare and serve nutritious meals while maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment.The ideal candidate is committed to food safety, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and understands the important role school nutrition plays in student health, learning, and success.Key ResponsibilitiesAssist with the preparation and serving of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and other approved meal services.Follow standardized recipes, portion sizes, and meal production records.Prepare food items according to USDA, CACFP, and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requirements.Assist with receiving, inspecting, and properly storing food and kitchen supplies.Maintain accurate food production, temperature, and inventory records as assigned.Operate kitchen equipment safely and report equipment concerns promptly.Wash dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment.Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, serving areas, storage rooms, refrigerators, and freezers.Follow all food safety, sanitation, health department, and ITAV policies and procedures.Work collaboratively with kitchen staff, school leadership, and other departments.Provide excellent customer service to students, staff, and visitors.Assist with inventory counts and stocking of food and supplies.Support special school events requiring food preparation or service as needed.Perform additional duties as assigned to support kitchen, site, and organizational needs.Why Join Us?Make an Impact: Help ensure every student has access to nutritious meals that support learning, health, and academic success.Grow Your Career: Receive ongoing training and opportunities to expand your knowledge of school nutrition and food service operations.Be in Community: Join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, respect, and service.Support Student Success: Play an essential role in creating a welcoming dining experience for our students every day.Position Details:Location: It Takes A Village Leadership Academy - Bronzeville (Chicago, IL)Position Type: Full-Time, 12-Month PositionSalary Range: $38,957 - $44,365Required:High School Diploma or GEDValid Illinois Food Managers LicensePreferred:Previous experience in a commercial kitchen, school cafeteria, restaurant, or institutional food service preferred.Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.Skills & Abilities:Ability to follow recipes, written instructions, and production schedules.Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.Strong attention to detail and commitment to food safety.Excellent teamwork and communication skills.Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.Ability to work in hot, cold, and fast-paced kitchen environments..Who Are You:Reliable: You arrive ready to work and take pride in supporting your team.Service-Oriented: You understand that nutritious meals help students thrive.Organized: You maintain a clean, safe, and efficient workspace.Collaborative: You enjoy working as part of a team to accomplish shared goals.Mission-Aligned: You believe every child deserves access to healthy meals in a welcoming school environment.Compensation & BenefitsWe believe in investing in our educators through a competitive, transparent compensation and benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and long-term success.Up to 80% employer-paid medical coverageFull benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial securityUp to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancementRobust paid time off, including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible15 paid holidays annuallyClear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunitiesReady to Make a Difference?If you're passionate about serving students, take pride in preparing healthy meals, and want to make a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of the ITAV Family of Schools, where every meal helps fuel student success.