Line Cook

Melmark New England; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Melmark New England is seeking a full-time cafeteria worker to support lunchtime operations for students. The role runs Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with two school vacation weeks and holidays.

You will prepare and serve meals, monitor food temperatures, and help ensure smooth coordination between classroom and dining areas. The ideal candidate brings at least two years of foodservice experience, strong cleanliness and organizational skills, and the ability to communicate

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; college and/or cafeteria background preferred.
• Valid US driver’s license and minimum age of 21.
• CORI background check required; CPR, First Aid and Melmark Orientation training completed.
• Minimum of two years of experience in foodservice.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve lunches for students.
• Cook menu items in coordination with kitchen staff.
• Stock stations with necessary supplies and manage inventory.
• Maintain food temperatures and ensure sanitation and safety standards.
• Communicate with teachers and students to ensure smooth lunch service.
• Assist with cleaning and organization of cafeteria area.

Skills

Cleaning experience

Organizational skills

Team player

Communication with staff and students

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Type: Full time - Temporary (July 2027)

Salary: $22 - $28 per hour based on experience

This is a full time position working in the cafeteria from Monday through Friday from 6:00a.m. to 2:00p.m., with the exception of two (2) school vacation weeks and holidays.

This candidate will be responsible for handling communication between the school and cafeteria, understanding any dietary needs and restrictions per Doctor's orders in order to ensure that the lunch program runs smoothly between the hours of 10:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. The position will also be responsible for preparing and serving lunches for our students. Keeping track of food temperature once it is served and cleaning up between lunch periods.

The ideal candidate loves children and is a flexible, hard working individual who can clearly communicate with the population we serve. We are looking for a self-starter who will take initiative on needed projects and be reliable. Attention to detail, understanding of the children's behaviors and communication issues, and the ability to work as a team player are required for this position.

This position supports Melmark New England’s mission to serve children, adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injury, neurological diseases and disorders, comorbid mental health disorders and severe challenging behaviors. It is required that employees demonstrate their understanding of that service mission through their work behavior and commitment to the students and the staff who are directly involved in the delivery of that service.

Essential Functions

• Reports on duty at assigned time; reports absence as far in advance as possible, but in no case later than normal reporting time.


• If resigning from the position, all positions require a minimum of four weeks’ notice. Melmark New England retains the right to refuse professional reference except as legally required to those employees who do not give proper notice.


• Sets up and stocking stations with all necessary supplies.


• Prepare food for service (e.g. chopping vegetables, butchering meat, or preparing sauces).


• Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the kitchen staff.


• Answer, report and follow executive or sous chef’s instructions.


• Clean up stations and take care of leftover food.


• Stock inventory appropriately.


• Ensures that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality and in a timely fashion.


• Comply with nutrition and sanitation regulations and safety standards.


• Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers.


• Willingness to work with special needs, behavioral population.


• All other reasonable duties as assigned by Supervisors.

Basic Qualifications

Education/Training: High School Diploma or G.E.D.; college and/or cafeteria background preferred.

Certifications/Licensure: A valid US driver’s license and a minimum age of twenty-one (21) years old. Must be capable of attaining approved Melmark driver status. Must meet Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) background check requirements. Successful completion of employer provided certification in CPR, First Aid, and Melmark’s Orientation Program and New Hire Onsite training program.

Skill(s): Requires cleaning experience, exceptional organizational skills and knowledge of Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC) regulations relating to foodservice.

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in foodservice.

Interrelationships

Interacts with all Melmark New England teachers and students to provide smooth transition between lunch program and to help maintain the facility needs of Melmark New England.