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Cooking Assistant Jobs in Portage, WI (NOW HIRING)

Platinum Communities

Dietary Supervisor

Columbus, WI · On-site

Act as lead cook; assist with meal preparation and service. * Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with health codes and internal standards. * Maintain ...

Riverwood Eagles Nest LLC

COOK PART TIME

Wisconsin Dells, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... * Assist residents with eating as needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen at all times ... Use clean washcloths throughout the day to keep counter tops and cooking surfaces sterile * Ensure ...

RIVERWOOD EAGLES NEST LLC

COOK PART TIME

Wisconsin Dells, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... * Assist residents with eating as needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen at all times ... Use clean washcloths throughout the day to keep counter tops and cooking surfaces sterile * Ensure ...

Riverwood Senior Living

COOK PART TIME

Wisconsin Dells, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... * Assist residents with eating as needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen at all times ... Use clean washcloths throughout the day to keep counter tops and cooking surfaces sterile * Ensure ...

Riverwood Eagles Nest LLC

COOK- Full Time

Wisconsin Dells, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... * Assist residents with eating as needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen at all times ... Use clean washcloths throughout the day to keep counter tops and cooking surfaces sterile * Ensure ...

RIVERWOOD EAGLES NEST LLC

COOK- Full Time

Wisconsin Dells, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... * Assist residents with eating as needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen at all times ... Use clean washcloths throughout the day to keep counter tops and cooking surfaces sterile * Ensure ...

Riverwood Senior Living

COOK- Full Time

Wisconsin Dells, WI · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

... * Assist residents with eating as needed. * Maintain a clean and orderly kitchen at all times ... Use clean washcloths throughout the day to keep counter tops and cooking surfaces sterile * Ensure ...

Reedsburg Country Club

Line Cook

Reedsburg, WI · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Prepare food for service (e.g., chopping vegetables, cooking meat, or preparing sauces) * Cook menu ... Clean up station and take care of leftover food. * Assist with dishes and deep cleaning tasks as ...

Reedsburg Country Club

Line Cook

Reedsburg, WI

$14 - $17/hr

Prepare food for service (e.g., chopping vegetables, cooking meat, or preparing sauces) * Cook menu ... Clean up station and take care of leftover food. * Assist with dishes and deep cleaning tasks as ...

Reedsburg Country Club

Line Cook

Reedsburg, WI · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Prepare food for service (e.g., chopping vegetables, cooking meat, or preparing sauces) * Cook menu ... Clean up station and take care of leftover food. * Assist with dishes and deep cleaning tasks as ...

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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 are Cooking Assistants?

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 does a Kitchen Assistant do?

A Kitchen Assistant supports food preparation and kitchen operations by cleaning utensils, assisting with ingredient organization, and maintaining cleanliness standards. They often work under the supervision of chefs or cooks and may handle tasks such as washing dishes, stocking supplies, and ensuring a hygienic environment.

What are the duties of an assistant cook?

An assistant cook supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They may also help with inventory management, following safety and sanitation standards, and operating kitchen equipment. Good organizational skills and knowledge of food safety are important for this role.

What does a cook assistant do?

A cook assistant helps in food preparation, such as chopping ingredients, assembling dishes, and maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen. They support chefs and cooks by handling basic tasks, often working under supervision and following safety and hygiene standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a Kitchen Assistant?

To be a Kitchen Assistant, there are typically no strict formal qualifications required, but a high school diploma or equivalent is often preferred. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, good communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; some positions may require food handler certifications. Prior experience in food service can be beneficial but is not always necessary.
What cities near Portage, WI are hiring for Cooking Assistant jobs? Cities near Portage, WI with the most Cooking Assistant job openings:
Cooking Assistant jobs near you

Dietary Supervisor

Larson House Assisted Living

Columbus, WI • On-site

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description

The Dietary Manager is responsible for the overall operation and management of the kitchen and dining services in an assisted living community. This includes supervision of all dietary staff, menu planning, inventory control, food ordering, cooking, and ensuring compliance with DHS 83 and 89, food safety regulations, and resident/tenant dietary needs. The Dietary Manager promotes a clean, efficient, and resident/tenant-focused dietary department that supports the health and wellness of the individuals we serve.


ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations & Food Service Oversight:

  • Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen and meal service for residents and tenants.
  • Supervise and support dietary staff including cooks and dietary aides, ensuring adequate scheduling and coverage.
  • Act as lead cook; assist with meal preparation and service.
  • Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen and dining areas in accordance with health codes and internal standards.
  • Maintain and implement kitchen protocols in compliance with DHS 83 & 89 and state/local food safety regulations.
  • Support a dignified, respectful, and caring atmosphere with residents/tenants, families, visitors, and fellow employees.

Staff Supervision & Training:

  • Recruit, hire, train, and coach all dietary staff.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations, ongoing training, and when necessary, participate in disciplinary actions.
  • Provide hands-on training for safe food handling, dietary modifications, sanitation practices, and Platinum Communities' policies.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and teamwork within the department.

Menu Planning & Resident Support:

  • Plan and implement menus that are nutritionally balanced, visually appealing, and in line with resident preferences.
  • Modify and adapt meals to meet special dietary needs, examples can include Pureed, Mechanical soft, Renal, Diabetic, or other physician-ordered diets.
  • Attend Resident Council meetings to gather feedback and implement appropriate changes.

Inventory & Ordering:

  • Manage inventory of food, supplies, and kitchen equipment.
  • Order food and supplies from approved vendors while staying within budget.
  • Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of food and supplies (FIFO method).

Interdepartmental Collaboration & Events:

  • Collaborate with Activity Directors to support holiday and community events, including special meals, cookouts, and celebrations.
  • Participate in department meetings to coordinate facility-wide planning and support.
  • Communicate effectively with all departments to ensure high-quality resident care and satisfaction.

Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma or GED required; culinary or hospitality certification preferred.
  • Minimum 2 years of food service experience, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or managerial role.
  • Knowledge of modified diets (e.g., pureed, mechanical soft, restricted diets) and general nutrition.
  • SERV Safe certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
  • Experience working in assisted living/long-term care environments is strongly preferred.
  • Ability to manage a team with professionalism, diplomacy, and accountability.
  • Excellent organization, time management, and communication skills.
  • On call availability, as well as weekends and holidays as needed.

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