Cook

Union City, NJ, USA|Remote, Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Range $18.88 - $21.35

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Professional Development

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Job Description

Children's Aid is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and families to achieve success in education, health, and overall family well-being. With a strong focus on early childhood development, the organization operates various programs that cater to the nutritional, educational, and social needs of young children in communities. Children's Aid is committed to fostering environments where children can thrive, offering comprehensive education and family support services. By embracing inclusiveness, diversity, and equity, the organization aims to ensure that every child receives the foundation necessary for lifelong success.

The Cook position at Children's Aid plays a vital role within an early childhood program that is either based in a Community School or Community Center. This role is centered around preparing and serving nutritious and delicious meals and snacks that encourage healthy eating habits among young children. The Cook supports the overall mission of the organization by contributing to the health and wellness of children, thereby influencing their success in Kindergarten and beyond. This position reports directly to the Program Director and receives additional oversight from the Children's Aid Food Service Manager.

There are two levels for this Cook role: Cook I (Partial Prep) who handles delivery of meals and snack preparations following DOE School Foods Department guidelines in a Community School setting; and Cook II (Full Prep) who prepares all meals from scratch in a Community Center setting. Both roles require strict adherence to food safety standards and comprehensive recordkeeping in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.

The Cook is responsible not only for preparing food but also for managing food inventory, placing orders, receiving deliveries, and continuously monitoring food quality and compliance with health codes. The role involves working closely with other team members to align meal plans with educational themes and ensure transparent communication with families and program staff. Participation in community engagement activities, professional development opportunities, and health and safety practices are integral parts of this position.

In offering this role, Children's Aid provides a competitive pay rate ranging from $18.88 to $21.35 per hour, reflecting the importance of culinary expertise combined with a passion for child nutrition and wellness. The ideal candidate will be experienced in food preparation and kitchen management, knowledgeable about nutrition guidelines, and capable of working collaboratively to support the growth and health of children and families in the program. The expectation for in-person or hybrid work flexibility ensures effective collaboration and seamless communication across teams, supporting the organization's dedication to a positive and inclusive work environment.

Job Requirements

Must hold a valid Department of Health Food Handler's License issued by New York State
Education credential such as IEP, local or high school diploma or equivalent preferred
At least two years experience managing foodservice programs and kitchens
At least one year experience working in programs serving infants, toddlers, and children with special needs
CPR and first aid certification
Ability to work in-person or hybrid as required
Compliance with all state and city licensing requirements
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively
Ability to maintain confidentiality and abide by privacy laws

Job Qualifications

Must hold a valid Department of Health Food Handler's License issued by New York State
Demonstrated ability to read and follow recipes
Excellent cooking skills
At least two years experience managing a foodservice program and kitchen including ordering food
Interest in and some knowledge of healthy eating
Familiarity with CACFP nutrition guidelines is a plus
Effective communication skills
Resourceful and dependable
At least one year experience working with infants, toddlers, and children with special needs
Dedicated and passionate about working with young children and families
Ability to abide by privacy laws including HIPAA

Job Duties

Understand and promote the organization's mission, vision, and core values
Prepare and serve all meals and snacks at the early childhood site
Learn and follow the Children's Aid menus and recipes
Place food requisitions on a weekly basis
Receive food deliveries and sign off on invoices upon delivery
Maintain an up-to-date inventory
Submit daily CACFP food production records
Collect and analyze food consumption, inventory, and meal participation data
Utilize Health Department inspection reports to identify improvement areas
Conduct regular quality checks for food preparation and serving standards
Ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines and organizational standards
Coordinate with Food Service Manager to align meal plans with educational activities
Communicate with Program Director, staff, parents, and children about menus and nutritional information
Participate in Healthy Cooking workshops for families
Welcome and include eligible parent volunteers in the kitchen
Recruit new families through tabling, advertising, and hosting recruitment events
Participate in trainings, workshops, and in-service days
Maintain certification and proof of professional activity attendance
Support program-wide goal setting and self-assessment
Check Children's Aid email regularly
Engage in self-assessment and coaching experiences
Adhere to state and city licensing, ratios, CPR/first aid certification
Maintain a clean and organized kitchen and storage area
Collaborate in person
Perform other duties as assigned