Position Details
Cook - Mosaic Early Learning (505)
*Sign-On Bonus
Take advantage of our new sign-on bonus! Center For Family Services is a place where you can be part of a dynamic, top workplace team dedicated to improving lives. When you apply and get hired, you are eligible for a $500 sign-on bonus.
Location:Oaklyn, NJ
Work Status:Full Time
Position Summary:
Center For Family Service is seeking an experienced Cook to join our Mosaic Early Learning Program. This position will be responsible for preparation and services of meals, receiving and storing of food and supplies, and sanitation related to these activities. This individual exercises good judgement in preparation and services of meals and performs clerical functions of reports and inventory.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Cook understands Mosaic Early Learning Performance standards and local regulations, oversees the processing and storage of food related items as they are delivered, participates in internal and external audits and performance improvement activities, and enters meal counts and other information as needed into COPA. This individual turns in menu alterations to supervisor, checks email regularly and replies to requests as necessary, ensures food is ordered on time and served at the appropriate temperature, and interacts with children daily to ascertain whether they like the meals served. The Cook provides all food service in accordance with the Child Nutrition Program and Board of Health Standards, complies with all local, state and federal standards regarding hygiene and sanitation, and ensures all necessary items are in stock, not expired, and properly stored. The Cook consults regularly with the dietitian to ensure all nutrition and special dietary needs are met and conducts self as a role model in interactions with staff, colleagues and funding sources in accordance with Center For Family Services' Code of Ethics.
Requirements:
- High School Diploma, 2 years Culinary Arts Degree preferred
- ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification required
- 2 years' experience working in a commercial kitchen environment.
- Maintain First Aid and CPR certifications
- Excellent driving skills and current driver's license with a driving record of at least three years
- Vehicle with current insurance and registration
About Employment at Center For Family Services:
Apply and get hired at Center For Family Services, a leader in the non-profit sector and named as a top workplace in the region since 2010. As part of our team, you will be recognized as our most valuable resource. Our staff balance best practices with personalized care. Together our team makes a positive difference in the lives of people in need. If you're interested in a rewarding career, Center For Family Services is a great place to grow as a professional. For more information about our top workplace, please visit Center For Family Services website at www.centerffs.org .
Disclaimer:All positions require pre-employment drug screening and criminal record checks. Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages. For more information, please visit our website at www.centerffs.org .
LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Not a member? Register
Modal title
Freqently Asked Questions
In Oaklyn, NJ, possessing ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification significantly enhances a cook's job prospects. Employers prioritize candidates with food safety credentials, aligning with local health regulations. Additional certifications like first aid and CPR also add value, reflecting readiness for kitchen safety and emergency situations.
Cooking at Center for Family Services involves not only meal prep but also adherence to child nutrition programs and health standards crucial for early learning settings. Unlike conventional restaurants, this role requires close collaboration with dietitians and compliance with specialized dietary needs, emphasizing nutrition and hygiene in a childcare environment.
Non-profit cooking roles often require balancing budget constraints with high nutritional standards. At Center for Family Services, cooks must manage inventory meticulously and participate in audits, ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering a nurturing environment. This differs from profit-driven kitchens, focusing on community impact over commercial efficiency.
Cooks in Oaklyn, NJ, typically earn between $13 and $18 per hour, influenced by experience and certifications. Non-profit organizations like Center for Family Services may offer competitive wages around this range, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses such as sign-on incentives, reflecting local market standards for culinary positions.
Oaklyn’s culinary job market shows moderate competition, with specialized roles in early learning programs being less saturated. Candidates with childcare nutrition knowledge and certifications stand out, as these positions merge culinary skills with regulatory compliance, attracting professionals seeking meaningful, community-focused cooking jobs.
Daily tasks include meal preparation tailored to children’s dietary needs, inventory management, and strict sanitation practices compliant with health codes. Unlike typical kitchens, this role also involves recording meal counts and engaging with children to assess meal acceptance, blending culinary skills with educational environment interactions.
The organization fosters growth by encouraging professional certification renewals and providing opportunities to engage in performance improvement activities. Cooks gain experience in managing food services within regulated childcare environments, enhancing both culinary and compliance expertise essential for advancing in non-profit nutrition roles.
Stringent local health codes shape strict sanitation routines and food handling procedures integral to the cook’s daily operations. This ensures compliance with state and federal standards, particularly crucial in childcare settings, requiring constant vigilance in storage, temperature control, and cleanliness to safeguard children's health.
Meal planning here demands alignment with child nutrition guidelines and consultation with dietitians to accommodate allergies and special diets. The cook must balance taste appeal and nutritional value, ensuring meals meet regulatory standards while engaging children’s preferences, which requires a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach.
Candidates should have a valid driver’s license with a clean three-year record, plus a personal vehicle insured and registered in compliance with state laws. Reliable transportation is essential for timely food orders and supply pickups, reflecting the logistical demands of supporting a dynamic non-profit early learning program.
Jobseekers are also searching for