Cooks Helper: Part Time

ALL•Wyomissing, PA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook’s Helper is a key member of the culinary team, responsible for the line service and accurate plate presentation of menu items for resident meal service. This role ensures food quality, proper portioning, and adherence to dietary guidelines while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen and service areas. Although limited cooking and prep work is required, the Cook’s Helper plays a vital role in ensuring smooth meal service, including replenishing items, proper use of ingredients, and timely communication with kitchen staff. Responsibilities also include cleaning of cooking equipment, floors, and refrigeration units, as well as ensuring all sanitation and safety protocols are followed, including proper food storage and temperature documentation.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED (Required or being pursued by high school student)
Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment
Medical Screening
Criminal History Clearance
FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
Knowledge of portion control, special diets, plate presentation, and SERV Safe sanitation procedures.
Ability to work efficiently during peak service times while maintaining food quality and presentation standards.
Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with kitchen staff and follow supervisor instructions.
Consistent attendance, adherence to schedules, and compliance with facility policies and confidentiality standards.
Able to stand for extended periods, perform cleaning tasks, and ensure accuracy in food temperatures, labeling, and record-keeping.

Nice To Haves

0-1 Year Prior Serving Experience in Food Service Industry
Prior experience working with senior population
SERV Safe Certification

Responsibilities

Serves menu items to residents as deemed by checks/selector tickets
Uses proper utensils and portion control of menu items
Properly follows special diets and small portion guidelines
Follows SERV Safe procedures
Ensures food quality by following proper plate presentation, portion sizes and maintains quality of food on serving line at all times
Replenishes food items as needed and informs back up cook of needs in appropriate time frames
Uses correct sauces, gravies and side dishes designated for menu items
Knows menu and ingredients
Ensures all food is served at proper temperatures and properly uses production sheets by recording leftovers and temperatures.
Is able to follow time frames during meal service and keeps up with service during peak meal times.
Wraps, labels dates and use by dates all items in reach-ins and serving line refrigerators.
Sweeps and mops floor using proper techniques and ensures all work in done to meet established standards.
Properly cleans all cooking equipment using proper personal protective equipment and correct cleaning agents.
Properly clean hoods, follows sanitation checklists and ensures all work is completed to meet established standards.
Ensure all opening and closing side work is accomplished following all sanitation procedures and guidelines.
Knows the schedule and works the scheduled hours and days as assigned.
Follows the time clock procedures by having one’s personal ID card, punching in and out at the correct times.
Observes the attendance policy, avoids excessive absenteeism, and uses proper Paycom procedures for posting and switching shifts, in addition to getting manager approval.
Reports deviations of schedule to supervisor in a timely manner.
Keeps fellow staff members advised of changes in work orders or rules.
Communicates openly and honestly with fellow staff members and supervisors.
Keeps confidential information safe and not divulged to outside parties.
Listens effectively to supervisors, residents and staff.
Stays current with assigned training.
Completes sanitation expectations for all areas.
Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.