COOK/KITCHEN HELPER - FIRST SHIFT at The Children s Center of Hamden Inc

Hamden, Connecticut, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

04 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

06 Oct, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Food Preparation, Food Service, Sanitation Practices, Dietary Guidelines, Teamwork, Communication, Organization, Attention to Detail, Flexibility, Professionalism, Dependability

Industry

Government Administration

Description

🌟 Kitchen Cook/Charge Staff – Dietary Department 📍 Hamden, CT | 🕒 Full-Time | Non-Exempt Nourish Futures Through Care The Children’s Center of Hamden is seeking a reliable and skilled Kitchen Cook/Charge Staff member to join our Dietary Department. In this role, you’ll prepare and serve nutritious meals in accordance with dietary guidelines, assist with kitchen operations, and maintain a clean and safe food service environment. You’ll support the health and well-being of children and adolescents in our care by ensuring they receive balanced meals that meet individual needs. While this is not a supervisory position, you may be responsible for overseeing kitchen functions in the absence of a supervisor. Collaboration with team members and adherence to food safety standards are essential to success in this position. Why Join Us? At The Children’s Center of Hamden, you’ll be part of a collaborative, mission-driven team where every staff member is valued and supported. We recognize the vital role our Dietary Department plays in the health and well-being of the children and adolescents we serve. You’ll have the resources, training, and teamwork you need to succeed in the kitchen — and opportunities to grow in your career. 🏥 Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, EAP, and wellness programs. On one medical plan option, The Children’s Center covers up to 92% of the employee premium and contributes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). 🏖️ Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick, personal days, and paid holidays. 💼 Retirement & Long-Term Security – 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you save for the future. 📚 Professional Growth & Development – Interest-free tuition loans, ongoing CEU-accredited training, and opportunities for career advancement. 💙 Supportive, Mission-Driven Culture – Join a collaborative team where your work truly makes a difference for youth and families. What You’ll Do As Kitchen Cook/Charge Staff, you will: * Prepare and serve nutritious meals in accordance with dietary guidelines and individual needs. * Assist with daily kitchen operations and maintain a clean, safe, and organized food service environment. * Follow food safety standards, sanitation practices, and proper storage procedures. * Support the health and well-being of children and adolescents through balanced meal preparation. * Step in to oversee kitchen functions when a supervisor is not present. * Collaborate with dietary team members and other staff to ensure smooth meal service. * Maintain accurate records related to menus, inventory, and meal counts. * Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and other program activities as needed. * Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and respect in all interactions. * Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Dietary Department. What We’re Looking For * Holds a valid ServSafe Certification. 1. (or willingness to obtain — training provided for the right candidate). * High school diploma or equivalent required; culinary training or certification preferred. * Prior experience in food preparation and/or food service, preferably in an institutional or healthcare setting. * Knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation practices, and dietary guidelines. * Ability to follow menus, recipes, and portion control standards. * Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain a clean, safe, and efficient kitchen. * Flexibility to assist with a variety of kitchen duties and to step in when a supervisor is not present. * Strong teamwork and communication skills to collaborate with dietary staff and other departments. * Commitment to professionalism, dependability, and supporting the health and well-being of children and adolescents. Physical & Work Environment Requirements * Ability to perform light to moderate lifting, standing, walking, bending, and other physical tasks related to food preparation and kitchen operations. * Comfort working in a busy kitchen environment with exposure to heat, noise, and cleaning chemicals. * Potential exposure to bodily fluids and other environmental hazards in a school-based or residential care setting. * Ability to follow all safety protocols to maintain a clean and secure work environment. Join Our Team If you’re a dependable and caring professional who takes pride in preparing nutritious meals and creating a safe, welcoming dining experience, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of children and adolescents in our care. 📌 The Children’s Center of Hamden is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 2:00 pm

Responsibilities

Prepare and serve nutritious meals according to dietary guidelines while maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth kitchen operations and support the health of children and adolescents.