Cook Aide

Cook Aide (Full Time) - Catering

Department: Early Childhood

Location(s): The Bronx

Reports To: Site Director

Salary Range: $33,652.80-$34,486.72 (benefits include life insurance, 401k plan and vacation, personal and sick time-off)

Date: July 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm, or 9 am-5 pm. Schedule may vary due to program needs.

Benefits include: family/ health insurance; 24 vacation days, (includes planned program closures) life insurance, 401k plan- 5% Employer Contribution, 4 personal days and 12 sick days; Scholarships and ongoing professional development opportunities

Job Summary

The Cook is responsible for implementation of food services in Grand Street Settlement's Early Child Care Programs serving children ages 0-5 in accordance with Department of Health, CACFP and Head Start Performance Standards. Responsibilities include preparing attractive, USDA-approved meals; keeping the kitchen and classroom areas clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; and maintaining adequate food stocks, kitchen supplies, and mandated CACFP nutrition records (including meal counts and food production records). For the start-up phase for 2 years this will be an evolving position. Interim roles and responsibilities will be adjusted and this position requires an individual to be flexible. Job responsibilities will be revisited once all center-based sites are up and running.

Education, Experience and Skill Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent, plus current food handler's certificate
• Experience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groups
• Knowledge of early childhood nutrition
• Basic computer skills and knowledge for record keeping
• Lift and move heavy and/or bulky objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Clearance through DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry, Sex Offender Registry clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, Tdap, MMR (fees may apply)
• Obtain Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency's policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Center Director, the Cook shall be responsible for:

• Preparing nutritious meals that take into consideration children's various cultures and individual nutritional needs.
• Understanding and using child nutritional needs and age-specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA, Head Start, and CACFP guidelines
• Understanding and strictly adhering to health, safety, food handling and sanitation requirements before, during and after meal preparation.
• Prepare and participate in family-style meals for children, volunteers, and staff.
• Maintain nutrition record-keeping and reporting as directed by the supervisor.
• Review food and supplies order sheets.
• Store food and supplies properly.
• Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures.
• Prepare catered meals order food substitutions, follow the menu
• Work with Nutritionist, Health Coordinator and/or Health Specialist
• Maintain appropriate cleanliness of all kitchen materials and supplies as required.
• Maintain and be aware of center allergies and concerns.
• Train assistant, substitutes and volunteers to support kitchen duties
• Coordinate delivery of food to classrooms.
• Attend staff meeting and relevant trainings
• Ability to stand on feet for relatively long periods while working and to lift 25 pounds
• Other duties as assigned

How To Apply

Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references that we can contact at least two (2) professional references should be from a former supervisor). No phone calls, please. Please be advised that job offers can only be made once your clearances come through!

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)