Cook Assistant - Plainfield, NJ

HOPES Community Action Partnership, Incorporated; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

403(b) retirement plan with employer"s

Life insurance

Paid Time Off

Company holidays

Flexible Spending Account

Commuter Benefits

Sign-on incentive

Job summary

HOPES CAP, Inc. in Plainfield, NJ is hiring a Cook Assistant to support the Cook in preparing and serving meals that meet USDA and CACFP guidelines.

You will help maintain a clean, safe kitchen and assist with meal planning, inventory, and food preparation for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. This role emphasizes teamwork, adherence to food safety regulations, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Food Handlers Certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Basic computer skills to access email and communicate within the agency.
• Knowledge of food safety and nutrition regulations.
• Ability to prepare large quantities of food in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong teamwork and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with meal preparation, setup, and cleanup for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation compliance.
• Receive and inspect food deliveries for accuracy and quality.
• Maintain kitchen inventory and supplies.
• Support nutrition activities that engage children and families.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development.

Skills

Food safety regulations

Food Handlers Certification

Basic computer skills

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Ability to work in fast-paced setting

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Are you Passionate About Food and Nutrition?Join HOPES CAP, Inc. as a Cook Assistant and help provide healthy meals for children in our Early Childhood Program!As a Cook Assistant, you’ll support the Cook in preparing and serving meals that meet USDA and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. You’ll help ensure a clean and safe kitchen while assisting with meal planning, inventory management, and food preparation.Key Responsibilities:Assist with meal preparation, setup, and cleanup for breakfast, lunch, and snacksEnsure food safety and sanitation complianceReceive and inspect food deliveries for accuracy and qualityMaintain kitchen inventory and suppliesSupport nutrition activities that engage children and familiesParticipate in team meetings, training, and professional developmentQualifications:High school diplomaFood Handlers Certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire)Basic computer skills to allow access to email and be able to maintain communication within the agencyKnowledge of food safety and nutrition regulationsAbility to prepare large quantities of food in a fast-paced settingStrong teamwork and organizational skillsAt HOPES CAP, Inc., we value our team and provide a benefits package designed to support your success and well-being:Comprehensive health benefits package (Medical, Dental & Vision) and employee wellness$2000 sign-on incentive paid in four quarterly installments after completing a 90-day introductory period403(b) retirement plan with employer match of 50% of employee per pay period contribution up to 6% of the employee's salary in a benefit yearLife insurance 100% paid by HOPESPaid Time Off (PTO) and Company Paid HolidaysFlexible Spending AccountCommuter BenefitsQualifying Employer for Student Loan Forgiveness ProgramAccess to opportunities for professional growth and developmentCollaborative and innovative company cultureFor a full list of benefits available: www.hopes.org/employeebenefitsMake a difference through nutritious meals and apply today!Please Note: Successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination, TB screen, and background screen inclusive of CHRI and CARI check is required.Offers may not be limited by the salary ranges listed. Highly qualified candidates may be offered a higher wage, whenever budgetary and operational factors permit with required approvals.HOPES CAP, Inc. is an at-will employer.HOPES CAP, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. HOPES CAP, Inc. considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.