School Cook - Special Needs - Contract

School Cook

Location: Livingston, New Jersey
Pay: $20 - $23/hour

A great opportunity for someone who enjoys using their cooking skills to make a real difference in children's lives. This role offers competitive pay, a long-term contract, health, dental, and vision benefits, and the chance to work in a supportive school environment with respected leadership.

As a School Cook, you will prepare nutritious meals for students with unique dietary and feeding needs. Your work will directly support students by ensuring they receive safe, healthy meals prepared with care and attention to their individual requirements.

You will be part of a team that values food safety, compassion, and attention to detail. This role is ideal for someone who has experience preparing meals in environments where dietary needs, allergies, and specialized meal plans must be handled carefully.

What You'll Do

• Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks according to established menus and student-specific dietary plans.
• Prepare meals for students with food allergies, medical diets, sensory needs, and specialized feeding requirements.
• Create texture-modified meals, including soft, minced, pureed, and thickened foods, based on written guidelines.
• Follow food safety procedures to prevent cross-contact and cross-contamination.
• Measure ingredients, follow recipes, and maintain proper portion sizes.
• Monitor food temperatures and maintain sanitation standards throughout the kitchen.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas.
• Maintain inventory and communicate when supplies need to be reordered.
• Collaborate with school nurses, classroom staff, therapists, and administrators to support student dietary needs.
• Report concerns related to food preparation, allergies, safety, or feeding instructions.

What You'll Need

• Previous cooking or food service experience in a special needs school, healthcare facility, nursing home, assisted living facility, daycare, or similar environment.
• Experience preparing meals for individuals with dietary restrictions, allergies, swallowing difficulties, or specialized feeding needs.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, storage, temperature control, and allergen awareness.
• Ability to follow written menus, recipes, dietary plans, and feeding instructions accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work well with a team.
• Food Handler or ServSafe certification preferred or required within a specified period after hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and carry kitchen supplies and equipment.