Assistant Cook in Newark, New Jersey at LA CASA DE DON PEDRO, INC.

About Us

La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc. (LCDP) was founded in 1972 by a group of local activists seeking to establish educational and charitable programs to meet the needs of Newark’s Puerto Rican community.

Named in honor of Don Pedro Albizu Campos, LCDP has since evolved to become the largest Latinx-led organization in the state of New Jersey, serving 50,000 Newark and Essex County residents annually under three central pillars: Early Childhood (Prenatal, Early Head Start, Head Start, and Pre-K); Healthy Homes (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization, Lead Remediation/Abatement); and Community Empowerment (Women & Family Center, Immigration Services, Workforce Readiness, Housing & Home Ownership Support, and Community Organizing). For more information, please visit www.lacasadedonpedro.org and be sure to follow @lacasanwk on all social media platforms.

Who we Seek

La Casa de Don Pedro seeks an Assistant Cook who provides reliable support to the Kitchen Manager by assisting with food preparation, meal service, and kitchen cleanliness to ensure high-quality nutrition for children in the Head Start program. The ideal candidate understands basic nutritional needs of young children, can help prepare large-batch meals, and demonstrate a warm, respectful approach when interacting with both children and adults. This role is an essential part of the Early Childhood team, contributing to a welcoming meal environment and the smooth, efficient operation of daily program activities.

Essential Duties

· Meal Planning and Preparation: Assist with daily meal planning, preparation, and large-batch cooking for Head Start children; maintain weekly menu records and accurate portions of meals.

· Meal Service and Transportation: Distribute breakfast, lunch, snacks, and sufficient utensils to classrooms; transport food, supplies, and related materials to centers in an organized and timely manner. Serve as a driver under extenuating circumstances to maintain uninterrupted meal service and program operations.

· Inventory and Food Storage: Assist with shopping lists and kitchen stock inventory. Inspect incoming deliveries for quality and accuracy; unpack, sort, distribute, and store supplies using First In, First Out (FIFO) methods. Monitor the refrigerator and freezer temperatures.

· Kitchen Sanitation and Facility Cleanliness: Wash and sanitize dishes, pots, pans, equipment, and utensils; maintain safe, clean, and orderly kitchen and storage areas. Empty wastebaskets, transport trash to disposal areas, and sweep, mop, wash, or vacuum floors in offices, hallways, stairs, the kitchen, and the conference room.

· Compliance and Personal Hygiene: Follow health department and licensing ordinances, Head Start program policies, and USDA/CACFP meal pattern standards. Maintain high standards of personal cleanliness and a neat, professional appearance.

· Training and Organizational Participation: Attend required food-handling, nutrition, and program training, staff meetings, La Casa activities, recommended training programs, and conferences.

· Teamwork and Program Support: Support nutrition-related classroom and family engagement activities. Maintain professional conduct, reliability, and commitment to the ECD HS Pillar; assist team members during staff absences or peak periods to keep kitchen operations running smoothly.

· Other Related Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned by the Sous Chef, Nutrition Coordinator, and Head Start Director to meet team and program needs.

Educational, Required Skills and Experience Requirements:

· High School Diploma or equivalent (HSE).

· SERV Safe Certification preferred; must obtain shortly after hiring.

· Successful completion of background checks, fingerprinting, and physical/health screening (including TB test).

· Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred.

· Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish required; French, Creole, or Portuguese a plus.

· Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

· Detail oriented with the ability to multitask effectively.

· Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

· Ability to perform well in a fast-paced environment and maintain professional conduct.

· Understanding basic safety and sanitation practices.

· Valid New Jersey Driver’s License with a clean driving record.

Physical Requirements:

· Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, work in hot kitchen environments and refrigerated storage areas, and perform frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and stooping while completing kitchen tasks.

· This role requires repetitive hand and wrist movements for food preparation, safe handling of kitchen tools and supplies, and the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry items up to 50 lbs.

· Core strength and stability are essential for supporting the body during prolonged or repetitive physical activity.