Part-time Kitchen Program Assistant/Cook New Hope ETC, Inc. Jersey City, NJ Job Details Part-time $18 - $20 an hour 1 hour ago Benefits Paid training Qualifications School experience Pre-cooking preparation High school diploma or GED Food Handler Certification Meal assistance Full Job Description The Part-Time Kitchen Program Assistant supports the preparation, packaging, serving, and cleanup of nutritious meals and snacks for students participating in New Hope ETC programs. This is a hands-on kitchen position focused on food preparation, portioning, labeling, organizing ingredients, organizing food ingredients and supplies, meal service, and maintaining a clean and safe kitchen. The Kitchen Program Assistant works approximately 15 to 20 hours per week and helps ensure meals are prepared safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Food Preparation Prepare ingredients and food items according to established menus and recipes. Wash, cut, measure, mix, assemble, and portion ingredients. Prepare hot and cold meals and snacks for student programs. Follow established portion sizes and meal preparation instructions. Package individual and bulk meals for service and distribution. Label prepared foods, ingredients, containers, and packaged meals accurately. Date and organize prepared foods according to kitchen procedures. Set up food preparation stations before meal production. Help ensure meals are ready according to daily and weekly program schedules. Food Storage, Loading, and Organization Retrieve ingredients and supplies from refrigerators, freezers, dry storage, and other storage areas. Load, unload, carry, and transport food, ingredients, beverages, containers, and kitchen supplies. Move ingredients between storage, preparation, service, and distribution areas. Stock and organize refrigerators, freezers, shelves, and kitchen work areas. Rotate food products to support freshness and reduce waste. Check food labels, dates, packaging, and overall product condition. Put away food and supply deliveries in designated storage areas. Maintain organized storage and preparation areas. Meal Packaging and Service Portion and package meals and snacks for students. Prepare serving areas before meal service. Set out food, beverages, utensils, napkins, and other meal service supplies. Serve meals and snacks to students in a welcoming and respectful manner. Replenish food and supplies during meal service. Help transport meals and supplies to designated serving locations. Break down and clean serving areas after meals. Store leftover food according to established food safety procedures. Cleaning and Sanitation Wash dishes, trays, pans, utensils, containers, and kitchen equipment. Clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces before and after use. Sweep and mop kitchen and food service areas. Empty trash and properly dispose of food waste. Clean refrigerators, storage areas, sinks, carts, and other kitchen equipment as assigned. Maintain clean and organized workstations throughout each shift. Follow proper procedures for cleaning spills and addressing food safety concerns. Help maintain a kitchen environment that meets established sanitation and food safety standards. Food Safety Follow proper handwashing, personal hygiene, and food handling procedures. Maintain appropriate temperatures for hot and cold foods. Follow procedures designed to prevent cross-contamination. Properly store, cover, label, and date food. Follow established procedures related to food allergies and dietary needs. Safely operate kitchen equipment according to training and instructions. Report damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, or food quality concerns to a supervisor. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous experience in a kitchen, cafeteria, restaurant, catering operation, school food program, or community meal program preferred. Basic food preparation skills. Ability to follow recipes, menus, portion sizes, labels, and verbal instructions. Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Strong attention to cleanliness and organization. Dependable attendance and punctuality. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to interact respectfully with students, staff, families, and community members. Food Handler or Food Protection certification preferred. Physical Requirements The employee must be able to: Stand and walk for extended periods during a shift. Bend, reach, push, pull, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks. Regularly lift, carry, load, and move food, ingredients, beverages, boxes, and kitchen supplies. Safely lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds. Move items between storage areas, kitchen workstations, and serving locations. Work around hot surfaces, commercial kitchen equipment, refrigerators, and freezers. Perform routine cleaning, dishwashing, and sanitation duties.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Paid training

Shift:

Day shift

Work Location:

In person