Kitchen Cook Weekdays Springfield NJ

Job Description

Job Description

Kitchen Assistant & Cook
(Part-Time / Temp-to-Hire)

Schedule: Monday–Friday | 25–30 hours/week (9:00 AM start, flexible afternoon end time)

Work-Life Balance: No evenings, no weekends!

Location: Springfield, NJ 07081 (In-Person / Reliable vehicle required)

Pay Range: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour (Based on experience)

Position Type: Highly flexible. Can be Part-Time, Temp-to-Hire, or transition into a Full-Time role with benefits as our program expands.

About the Role

Social Clubhouse, Inc. is seeking a reliable, organized, and community-minded Kitchen Assistant & Cook to join our team. In this role, you will work side-by-side with our long-term, full-time Kitchen Cook to plan, prepare, and serve daily meals for adults in our mental health partial care program. You won't be flying solo, you will be partnering together to keep our kitchen running smoothly.

Beyond daily meal prep, our kitchen acts as a hands-on Culinary Training Program for our clients. If you have a passion for food and enjoy mentoring or supervising others, this role offers a unique opportunity to help guide clients as they learn basic kitchen skills. Prior experience working with this specific population is not required—we will fully train you on the behavioral health side!

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborative High-Volume Cooking: Partner with our full-time cook to prep and serve daily nutritious breakfast and lunch for large groups (Lunch service concludes around 1:10 PM, followed by cleanup).

• Menu & Inventory Prep: Work together on weekly meal planning, inventory management, and food purchasing.

• Kitchen Operations: Share daily kitchen maintenance, ensuring strict cleanliness, sanitation, dishwashing, and proper storage standards. Help receive and organize food deliveries.

• Compliance: Follow CACFP food guidelines to ensure compliant daily meal service.

• Client Support: Co-supervise and mentor clients participating in our culinary training program, helping them safely learn food prep, safety, and basic job readiness skills.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements)

• Large-Scale Cooking Experience: Experience prepping and cooking for large groups (commercial kitchen, catering, cafeteria, or high-volume environment).

• Certifications: Current ServSafe or NJ Food Handler Certification is required (or must be obtained immediately upon hire).

• Transportation: Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle are required for light food purchasing/errands.

• Physical Ability: Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and stand for the duration of the shift.

• Team Player: A reliable, cooperative self-starter who communicates well and thrives in a collaborative, two-person team environment.

Bonus Points (Preferred, Not Required)

• Experience training, teaching, or mentoring others in a workspace or community setting.

• Background in a vocational, training, school, or community-based kitchen.

• Prior experience or a comfortable, empathetic attitude toward working with adults with mental health or special needs.

Why Join Social Clubhouse?

• A True Partnership: You’ll be working directly alongside an experienced, full-time cook who knows our program inside and out.

• Unbeatable Hours: A predictable Monday–Friday daytime schedule that respects your personal time.

• Room to Grow: We are actively looking for a long-term team member. This role has a direct pathway to full-time employment and benefits.

• Paid Perks: Paid training and paid holidays (6 holidays, up to 4 hours each).

• Purpose-Driven Work: Join a supportive, mission-driven team where your work directly supports individuals on their recovery journeys.

To Apply

Submit your resume through this posting. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and we are looking to fill this position immediately.

Social Clubhouse, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.