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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Hamilton Madison House

ASSISTANT COOK

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20.50/hr

Responsibilities : * Assist with daily food preparation, cooking, and packaging of grab-and-go meals for congregate services * Transport, pack, and organize food supplies and related items to ensure ...

GMHC

Kitchen Assistant

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Description The Kitchen Assistant plays a vital role in the smooth operation of a high-volume production kitchen, supporting the Cook and Cook Assistant in all aspects of lunch service. Key ...

Project Hospitality

Cook Assistant

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$18.50/hr

Participate in the preparation and cooking of meals and snacks in accordance with specified menus and city-wide nutritional guidelines as needed. * Maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen and ...

All Team Staffing

Cook

New York, NY

$15.25 - $20.50/hr

... : * Assist in preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours * Memorize, record, and comprehend menu items, abbreviations, plate ...

All Team Staffing

Lead Cook

New York, NY

$18.75 - $24/hr

... : * Assist in preparation, cooking, and presentation of meals * Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours * Memorize, record, and comprehend menu items, abbreviations, plate ...

Dartcor

On-Call Event Cook

Whippany, NJ · On-site

$30/hr

Prepare and execute menu items according to company recipes and standards Assist with event production, packaging, and transportation of food and equipment Set up and operate on-site cooking, carving ...

Anejo

Lead Line Cook

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Prepares a variety of meats, seafood, poultry, vegetables and other food items for cooking in ... * Assist in the training of any incoming line cook * Closes the kitchen properly and follows the ...

Dartcor

On-Call Event Cook

Whippany, NJ · On-site

$30/hr

Prepare and execute menu items according to company recipes and standards Assist with event production, packaging, and transportation of food and equipment Set up and operate on-site cooking, carving ...

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Cooking Assistant information

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 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 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 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 cities near Elizabeth, NJ are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs? Cities near Elizabeth, NJ with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:
Cooking Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cooking Assistant job openings in Elizabeth, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

ASSISTANT COOK

Hamilton Madison House

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The City Hall Older Adult Center (CHOAC) is one of the largest older adult centers in New York City. It provides nutritious meals, vital services, and engaging activities to older adults from across the city. Recognized as a model for delivering high-quality, high-volume programming that is both culturally and linguistically responsive, CHOAC holds a prominent public profile and strong community visibility.

We are currently seeking a dedicated Assistant Cook to join our food service team. The Assistant Cook will support Head Cook and other kitchen staff in preparing and serving congregate meals that meet the standards set by the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) and the Department of Health. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the health, safety, and satisfaction of our participants through high-quality meal service.


Responsibilities:

  • Assist with daily food preparation, cooking, and packaging of grab-and-go meals for congregate services
  • Transport, pack, and organize food supplies and related items to ensure efficient kitchen operations
  • Participate in menu planning to support culturally appropriate and nutritious meal offerings
  • Prepare and submit daily food cost reports to support budget tracking and compliance
  • Help maintain accurate inventory and ensure proper storage and organization of food supplies
  • Clean and sanitize all kitchen appliances, equipment, and storage areas; maintain cleanliness of the dining room and kitchen, including cupboards, shelves, racks, work surfaces, cooking equipment, dishes, and utensils, etc.
  • Assume full responsibility for meal preparation and service in the absence of the Head Cook
  • Assist in planning food purchases from designated vendors and/or shop at local markets as needed
  • Ensure all food service activities comply with NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA) and Department of Health (DOH) standards and regulations
  • Attend staff meetings and participate in required trainings as directed by the supervisor


Qualifications:

  • Minimum 1 year of relevant work experience
  • Physical Exam and TB test required – Must be free of communicable illness
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for long periods of time as needed
  • Valid Food handler certificate protection certificate or the ability to obtain within 6 months
  • Bilingual English/Asian Language preferred but not required;
  • Must be able to read, write and speak some English


Compensation: $20.50 per hour

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00AM to 3:00PM 35 hours per week


We have a strong and vibrant work culture and offer excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 3 personal days, and 12 paid agency-wide holidays annually.


Hamilton-Madison House is an Equal Opportunity Employer