Cook's Assistant

Brightpoint; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,730 - 25,485; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision insurance

Three scheduled weeks of paid time off

401(k) with match

Student Loan Forgiveness opportunities

Job summary

A dedicated human services organization is seeking a Cook's Assistant to join their El Hogar Del Niño Child & Family Center team in Chicago. This role involves preparing and serving nutritious meals and maintaining kitchen hygiene. The ideal candidate should hold a high school diploma, have cooking experience, and the ability to communicate in English, with Spanish preferred. The position offers competitive hourly compensation along with comprehensive benefits including paid time off and 401(k) matching.

Qualifications

• Must obtain the Food Sanitation Certificate within 90 days of employment.
• One year minimum of professional high volume cooking experience required.
• Demonstrated understanding of the nutritional needs of children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily preparation of meals according to menu.
• Responsible for daily meal count.
• Clean and maintain the kitchen.
• Prepare food service cart with utensils and meals.

Skills

Basic skills in reading

Basic skills in writing

Communication skills (English)

Communication skills (Spanish)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Brightpoint invites you to join our team of mission-driven staff who share a common vision: an equitable world where all children and families thrive in strong communities. As a leader in the human services sector for 140 years, we aim to advance the well‑being of children by investing in families and strengthening communities through data‑informed, collaborative, and preventative solutions.

The Cook's Assistant is a critical member of our El Hogar Del Niño Child & Family Center team, assisting the cook with preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks for children and adults every day. The Cook's Assistant also has responsibility of daily upkeep of all kitchen areas.

Candidate Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent experience. Must have basic skills in reading, writing, and budgeting.
• Must obtain the Food Sanitation Certificate within 90 days of employment.
• One year minimum of professional high volume cooking experience required.
• Demonstrated understanding of the nutritional needs of children and adults.
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills, including basic skills in reading and writing in English.
• Ability to communicate in both English and Spanish preferred.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists in daily preparation of meals according to menu.
• Posts all menu changes in individual classrooms.
• Responsible for daily meal count.
• Cleans and maintains the kitchen.
• Washes dishes.
• Prepares food service cart with utensils and meals.
• Sets out dishes, serves food, and collects dishes after meals.
• Keeps the pantry, coffee table, microwave, and other kitchen areas clean and orderly.
• Responsible for the overall operation of the kitchen, in Cook’s absence.

Job Details

• Compensation: Hourly, Range is between $16.50-$18.50/hour, offers are commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Medical/dental/vision insurance, three scheduled weeks of paid time off each year (Spring, Summer, Winter), and additional flexible paid leave that accrues based on tenure; 11 paid holidays, supplemental insurance options, 401(k) with match.
• Location: Early Childhood Center setting at El Hogar Del Niño Child & Family Center.
• Schedule: Full-time, hourly; center is open Mon‑Fri, 7:30 am‑5:30 pm; assigned shifts will vary.
• We don’t just hire talent—we grow it: Emerging Leaders will have access to leadership development opportunities and one‑on‑one mentorship.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Brightpoint is an approved agency for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).