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Cooking Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dietary Cook Assistant - Las Colinas

Ontario, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Part-Time Cook Assistant Las Colinas Post Acute Ontario, CA Pay: $21-23 per hour Join Our Dietary ... Previous cooking experience required; healthcare, skilled nursing, or institutional cooking ...

Personal Attendant / Caregiver

Poway, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.50/hr

  • Retirement

Meal Prep and cooking * Assist clients with LIGHT housekeeping (vacuuming, sweeping, changing linens, laundry, etc). * Drive clients to and from medical appointments, grocery store, etc ...

Personal Attendant / Caregiver

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

  • Retirement

Meal Prep and cooking * Assist clients with LIGHT housekeeping (vacuuming, sweeping, changing linens, laundry, etc). * Drive clients to and from medical appointments, grocery store, etc ...

Cook

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$22.59 - $26.55/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Cook Assist in preparing all types of food while maintaining a safe, clean and sanitary work area ... You will also assist with receiving and stocking deliveries using proper rotational practices. May ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooking Assistant information

What is a cooking assistant?

Cooking Assistants, sometimes known as kitchen assistants or prep cooks, are entry-level staff members who support chefs and cooks in the preparation and organization of food in a kitchen. Their duties typically include washing and chopping ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, organizing supplies, and occasionally assisting with simple cooking tasks. Cooking Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently and that food is prepared quickly and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by cooking assistants during busy service periods?

Cooking Assistants often experience high-pressure situations during peak meal times, where quick and accurate preparation of ingredients is crucial. Managing multiple tasks simultaneously—such as chopping vegetables, prepping proteins, and maintaining a clean workstation—can be challenging but is essential for a smooth kitchen operation. Clear communication with chefs and other kitchen staff helps prevent mistakes and ensures timely service. Adapting to a fast-paced environment and staying organized are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cooking assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cooking Assistant, you need basic culinary knowledge, food safety awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food handling procedures, and certifications like a Food Handler’s Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient food preparation, a safe kitchen environment, and smooth collaboration within the culinary team.

What is the difference between Cooking Assistant vs Kitchen Helper?

AspectCooking AssistantKitchen Helper
Required CredentialsBasic culinary skills, sometimes food safety certificationMinimal credentials, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, cateringRestaurants, cafeterias, food prep areas
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in food service establishmentsOften used interchangeably with Cooking Assistant, but more general

The Cooking Assistant and Kitchen Helper roles both support kitchen operations, but Cooking Assistants typically have more culinary responsibilities and may require basic food safety knowledge. Kitchen Helpers usually perform more general support tasks with less emphasis on cooking skills. Both roles are essential in food service environments, but Cooking Assistants often have a slightly higher skill requirement and more involvement in food preparation.

What are the duties of a cooking assistant?

A cooking assistant helps prepare ingredients, follows recipes, and maintains cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also assist with cooking tasks, organize supplies, and ensure food safety standards are met, often working under the supervision of chefs or cooks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cooking jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cooking jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Personal Attendant (Caregiver) Live in

Salus Homecare - Orange County

Irvine, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in peoples lives ? Join our compassionate team at  Salushomecare, a trusted Homecare agency proudly serving Orange County. If you are a dedicated caregiver in Southern California ready to grow your career, apply today and help us provide care that feels like family.

This job is located is in all over Orange County 

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Holiday Pay 
  • Benefits include medical dental and vision after one year of employment 
  • Paid Sick Leave 40 hours per year
  • 401k after 3 month of employment 
  • Flexible Hours and Schedule depending on your availability
  • Live in pays $16.90 plus OT depending on start time.
  • 4 hours shift pays $19 to $23
  • 8 hour shift pays $18 to $20
  • 12 hour shift pays $18 to $19 since after 9 hours we pay overtime. 
Responsibilities:
  • Assist clients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL's)

  • Bathing, grooming, personal care, feeding / meal prep, toileting ambulation, medication reminders, social interaction, and more!

  • Be oriented and well trained on ALL aspects of the client’s Plan of Care

  • Meal Prep and cooking

  • Assist clients with LIGHT housekeeping (vacuuming, sweeping, changing linens, laundry, etc). 

  • Drive clients to and from medical appointments, grocery store, etc

Qualifications:

  • Homecare Aide Certification (HCA) - This is a CA State requirement which involves registering as a Personal Attendant and providing Livescan fingerprints for a FBI Background check - Salus can help you with this process if you are not currently certified. 
  • TB Test - Must be within 90 days of start
  • Must be able to legally work within the USA 
  • Physical capability to preform all job functions 
  • Safe driving record and valid auto insurance if you will be driving with clients
  • Must be able to transfer a patient
  • Ability to speak, write, and read English is a requirement
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We are an equal oppurtunity employer and do not discriminate.