Culinary Assistant

Valley West Health; Newton (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridgemark Family in Illinois is seeking a Culinary Assistant to support our kitchen team—prepping meals, serving residents, and ensuring nutritious, tasty options while keeping the kitchen spotless. You’ll follow safety standards, honor dietary requests, manage time to serve meals punctually, and contribute to a warm home-like atmosphere for residents and families.

We value high school diploma, a Food Sanitation certificate, and at least one year of food prep experience; strong communication

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current Food Services Sanitation certificate.
• At least 1 year of food prep experience, including therapeutic diets.
• Strong multitasking and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist kitchen team with meal prep and serving for residents.
• Ensure meals are nutritious, tasty, and served on time.
• Maintain a clean, organized kitchen and proper food handling.
• Respect dietary restrictions and special diet requests.
• Label, date, and store foods safely; monitor temps as needed.

Skills

Multitasking

Good judgment

Excellent communication

Warm, friendly vibe

Therapeutic diets knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Food Services Sanitation certificate

Job description

Description

Experience pays off—literally. Tell us about your background and maximize your earning potential

Culinary Assistant – AKA Kitchen Sidekick & Mealtime Magician

Position Type: Full stomachs, full-time/part time

Are you the type of person who knows the difference between a ladle and a lollipop, believes mashed potatoes deserve respect, and can turn a tray of green beans into a five-star experience (with a little seasoning and a lot of love)? Well then, aprons on—this job’s for you.

Your Mission (should you choose to accept it):

As a Culinary Assistant, you'll be the right hand of our culinary team—serving up comfort, nutrition, and joy one plate at a time. You'll help prep meals and snacks, serve with a smile, and ensure that our residents are happily fed and well-nourished, all while keeping the kitchen so clean it would make your grandma proud.

What You'll Be Stirring Up:

• Follow state food service regulations—because we like our kitchens compliant and delightful.
• Help whip up well-balanced meals that are both tasty and easy on the waistline (or at least on the dietary chart).
• Respect those special diet requests like they came straight from the Queen.
• Serve food like a pro, using scoops, ladles, and just the right amount of flair.
• Ensure meals roll out on time. This isn’t fast food, but we do believe in punctual peas.
• Say yes to seconds! Because sometimes one helping just isn’t enough.
• Prepare snacks that’ll make our residents’ tastebuds do a happy dance.
• Keep the kitchen sparkling—walls, floors, and every little nook that might hold a rogue breadcrumb.
• Cover, label, and date food like it's going into a museum collection.
• Wash dishes like a champ (yes, even that one pot that somehow burned water).
• Monitor fridge and freezer temps like you're guarding a vault of gold (frozen peas count).
• Rock that hairnet like it's runway fashion. Clean, tidy, and food-safe is the name of the game.
• Take out the trash—literally, not emotionally.

Requirements

Your Recipe for Success:

• High school diploma or equivalent (because we believe in brains and biscuits).
• A current Food Services Sanitation certificate—don't worry, we like our food certified safe.
• At least one year of food prep experience, including therapeutic diets
• Multitasking superpowers.
• Good judgment and decision-making skills. (Like knowing not to serve spicy chili on Bingo night.)
• The ability to keep it cool under pressure—even when the oven isn’t.
• Excellent communication and a warm, friendly vibe with residents, families, and your culinary comrades.

Why Join the Bridgemark Family?

At our facilities, meals are more than just food—they're moments of connection, care, and sometimes, a good ol' fashioned dessert debate. We're looking for someone who's ready to serve with heart, sprinkle in a little fun, and make our residents feel right at home.

The Fine Print (Still Important!):

Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check and drug screen. We want to keep our residents safe, happy, and in good hands—you’re part of that promise.

Helia Healthcare, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We're committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better we can serve our community.