Cook Assistant

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a reputable nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and families across the state of Oregon through comprehensive early education and family support programs. With a strong commitment to fostering thriving communities, OCDC’s work is purpose-driven and impactful. The organization plays a vital role in creating stronger families and promoting healthy development among children in Oregon, ensuring brighter futures through quality and culturally responsive services. OCDC supports diverse communities with tailored programs that address the unique needs of families, enhancing overall well-being and child development throughout the region.

The Cook Assistant role at OCDC is an essential position within the Food Service Program aimed at supporting nutritious meal preparation and delivery aligned with USDA guidelines and sanitation standards. This role involves assisting the Cook in purchasing, preparing, and delivering foods that are culturally and age appropriate for children served by the organization. The position requires the maintenance of strict sanitary conditions in the kitchen and adherence to all safety regulations to ensure that food is both safe and of high quality. An important aspect of this role is managing food inventory using the First-In/First-Out (FIFO) system and carefully documenting food usage and compliance with USDA regulations.

The Cook Assistant helps maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, performing duties including dishwashing and kitchen cleanup. The role contributes directly to the health, safety, and development of children by helping to deliver meals in a timely and minimally disruptive manner to classroom settings. Additionally, the Cook Assistant participates in agency-wide safety practices and emergency procedures, exhibiting a dedication to both workplace safety and the well-being of the children.

This hourly position offers a competitive pay range from $17.00 to $19.71 based on relevant experience, certifications, and internal equity. The Cook Assistant will work under the supervision of the Cook and management team, occasionally substituting for the Cook as needed. Engagement with the broader OCDC team through staff and parent meetings is also expected. This role represents a meaningful opportunity for individuals looking to contribute to community health and education through food service in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

OCDC is committed to equal employment opportunity and inclusiveness with respect to race, gender, age, disability, and other protected statuses. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that supports health, financial security, and work-life balance, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and wellness resources. The organization’s emphasis on employee well-being reflects its overall mission to strengthen families and communities effectively and sustainably.