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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Inverness Health and Rehab

Cook

Inverness, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

Cook Job Benefits * Competitive Pay * Health Insurance including Dental and Vision * Paid Time Off ... * Assist / direct daily or schedule cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and ...

Inverness Health and Rehab

Cook

Inverness, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

) Cook Job Benefits * Competitive Pay * Health Insurance including Dental and Vision * Paid Time Off ... * Assist / direct daily or schedule cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and ...

Aliyah Health Center

Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... * Assist with additional kitchen duties, including cleaning, stocking, and dish area support as needed. * Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required ...

Aliya of Palatine

Cook

Palatine, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

... * Assist with additional kitchen duties, including cleaning, stocking, and dish area support as needed. * Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications * Previous cooking experience required ...

Wingstop

Cook

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Wingstop

Cook

Mchenry, IL · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Wingstop

Cook

Rolling Meadows, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Bridge Point

Cook Positions

Chicago, IL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Previous cooking or food preparation experience preferred * Ability to work flexible hours ... Clean and sanitize workstations, equipment, and kitchen areas after events. * Assist with inventory ...

Chicago Winery

Line Cook

Chicago, IL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... * Assist with prep and event work * Portion food products prior to cooking according to standard portions sizes and recipe specifications * Understand portions sizes, cooking methods, ingredients ...

New

Pearl of Fox River Valley

Cook

Elgin, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

... and cooking a wide variety of meals for our residents and guests. You will be part of a dynamic ... Ensure all food is prepared and served safely and in a timely manner * Assist with inventory ...

Pearl of Crystal Lake

Cook

Crystal Lake, IL

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Cook As a valued member of our culinary team at Pearl of Crystal Lake, we are seeking a skilled ... and sanitation standards * Assist with meal planning, ordering, and inventory management

Wingstop

Cook

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$13 - $14/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Elk Grove Village, IL

$15 - $17/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

Wingstop

Cook

Bartlett, IL

$15/hr

Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ...

Wingstop

Cook

Schiller Park, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

... Assist other employees as needed Follow directions given by Manager or Supervisor Know and ... Professional cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Cooking: 1 year (Preferred) Line cook: 1 year (Preferred ...

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All JobsCooking JobsCooking Assistant JobsCooking Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL

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 cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:

Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Cook

Inverness Health and Rehab

Inverness, IL

$14 - $18.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Cook Job Benefits

  • Competitive Pay

  • Health Insurance including Dental and Vision

  • Paid Time Off for Sick and Vacation Days

  • Employer Matched 401k

  • Daily Pay

  • Employee Perks Site

Cook Job Requirements

  • Full service manager license.

Cook Job Overview

The primary purpose of this position is to prepare food in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards guidelines and regulations, with our established policies and procedure, and as maybe directed by the Head Cook, Registered Dietician and / or Director of Dietary Services.

Cook Job Responsibilities

  • Review menus prior to preparing food.

  • Prepare meals in accordance with planned menus, ensure meals are palatable and appetizing in appearance.

  • Prepare food for therapeutic diets in accordance with planned menus.

  • Inspect special diet trays to assure that the correct diet is served to the residents.

  • Serve food in accordance with established portion control procedures.

  • Prepare and serve bedtime snacks.

  • Be sure that appropriate equipment and utensils are provided with the resident’s meal tray.

  • Review care plans to assure that the current food information is consistent with foods served.

  • Prepare and serve substitute foods to residents who refuse foods served.

  • Follow established infection control precautions policies and procedure when performing daily task.

  • Assist / direct daily or schedule cleaning duties in accordance with established policies and procedures.

  • Ensure that the department is maintained in a clean and safe manner by assuring that necessary equipment and supplies are maintained.

  • Assist in maintaining food storage areas in a clean and properly arranged manner at all time.


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