Cook Assistant - Plainfield, NJ

HOPES CAP, Inc.; Plainfield, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Sign-on incentive

403(b) retirement plan

Life insurance

PTO & holidays

Flexible Spending Account

Commuter Benefits

Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Professional growth

Collaborative culture

Job summary

HOPES CAP, Inc. in Plainfield, NJ is seeking a Cook Assistant to support the Cook in preparing meals for children in our Early Childhood Program. The position is full-time, with an hourly wage of $17.50–$18.50 and benefits including health, retirement, and PTO.

You will assist with meal prep for breakfast, lunch and snacks, ensure food safety, handle deliveries, manage inventory, and participate in training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Food safety knowledge and regulations.

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

Teamwork

Food safety knowledge

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Details Level: Entry
Job Location: Plainfield, NJ - Plainfield, NJ 07060
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: High School
Salary Range: $17.50 - $18.50 Hourly
Travel Percentage: Not Applicable
Job Category: Nutrition

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 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

Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• Food 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 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

What We Offer

• 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 period
• 403(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 year
• Life insurance 100% paid by HOPES
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account
• Commuter Benefits
• Qualifying Employer for Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Access to opportunities for professional growth and development
• Collaborative and innovative company culture

For a full list of benefits available: www.hopes.org/employeebenefits

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.