Cook Assistant

ITAV; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 80% employer-paid medical

Full benefits package (Dental, Vision,

3% 401(k) match

Tuition assistance up to $10,000

Generous PTO and holidays

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

It Takes A Village Leadership Academy in Bronzeville (Chicago, IL) is seeking a dependable Cook Assistant to support the school nutrition program. You will assist with preparing and serving nutritious meals, maintain a clean kitchen, and help ensure food safety in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate holds a High School Diploma or GED and has a passion for student health and well-being. Prior experience in a kitchen is preferred, with opportunities to grow in a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience in a commercial kitchen, school cafeteria, restaurant, or institutional food service preferred.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist 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 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.

Skills

Follow recipes

Fast-paced environment

Attention to detail

Teamwork & communication

Physical stamina

Food safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

ITAV Leadership Academy in Bronzeville - Chicago, IL 60615

Overview

Salary Range

Position Type

Full Time

Join our Team: Cook Assistant

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 communities

Position Overview

It 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 Responsibilities

• Assist 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 Position
Salary Range: $38,957 - $44,365

Qualifications

Required

High School Diploma or GED

Preferred

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 & Benefits

We 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 coverage
• Full benefits package, including Dental, Vision, Legal Services, and Short-Term Disability
• 3% 401(k) employer match to help you build long-term financial security
• Up to $10,000 annually in tuition assistance to support degree completion and credential advancement
• Robust paid time off, including 16 PTO days per year, 9 sick/personal days per year, and compensatory time eligible
• 15 paid holidays annually
• Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership opportunities

Ready 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.