Cook

Location: Los Angeles, CA — Onsite

Classification: Non-exempt

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Weekly Hours: 30 hours

Pay Range: $19–$20 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Join Our Mission

Because Children Matter, LLC is seeking a dependable, organized Cook to support our Noah’s Place childcare program. Our team is committed to providing quality care for children and families, including nutritious meals that support children’s health and development.

The Cook prepares and serves meals and snacks, maintains a clean and safe kitchen, and coordinates with center staff to ensure timely meal service and accommodate children’s documented dietary needs.

Job Duties

• Prepare, cook, portion, and distribute nutritious meals and snacks according to approved menus and scheduled meal times.
• Collaborate with the contracted nutritionist and designated staff to plan menus that meet applicable child nutrition program requirements.
• Prepare approved meal substitutions for children with documented food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Follow safe food handling, storage, preparation, and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, pantry, food storage areas, utensils, and equipment.
• Monitor food and supply inventory, coordinate purchases, and verify deliveries.
• Maintain required meal, inventory, temperature, and sanitation records.
• Communicate with teachers and supervisors regarding meal delivery, portions, dietary needs, and schedule changes.
• Promptly report equipment problems, food safety concerns, and supply shortages.
• Attend required meetings and training.
• Assist with classroom activities or child supervision when qualified and authorized, consistent with applicable staffing requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of food service experience.
• Knowledge of basic cooking methods, food safety, sanitation, and portion control.
• Ability to follow menus, recipes, dietary instructions, and meal schedules.
• Strong organization, time management, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage changing priorities while maintaining food quality and safety.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience preparing meals in a childcare, school, or similar setting.
• Experience with child nutrition program menus and documentation.
• Experience working with children under three years old.
• Current food handler certification.
• Coursework in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.

Other Considerations

• Work is performed onsite in a childcare center kitchen and involves standing, walking, repetitive food preparation, moving supplies, and working around hot surfaces and kitchen equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential physical duties, with or without reasonable accommodation, including lifting and carrying children weighing 14–30 pounds when assigned authorized classroom support duties.
• Requires bending, crouching, kneeling, and other movements to meet children’s needs.
• Ability to maintain performance under pressure and handle stress professionally.
• Must contribute to a safe, clean, and sanitary work environment.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and TB risk assessment is required.
• Must successfully complete required background clearances through DOJ, FBI, and CACI.

Perks

• Competitive hourly pay
• Paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable plan terms. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Because Children Matter, LLC reserves the right to modify, add, or remove job duties and responsibilities based on operational and program needs, consistent with applicable law.

Employment with Because Children Matter, LLC is at will. Either the employee or the Company may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job posting or job description creates an employment contract or guarantee of continued employment.