What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cook's Helper position at Northampton County?
**Posting will remain online until position is filled.**
**The Cook's Helper is full-time including every other weekend, 10:30a-6:30p. Position assists cooks in food preparation and setting up tray lines.**
**Job Benefits for Full Time Employees**
Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are offered a package of benefits which includes the following:
The Cook's Helper assists cooks in food preparation and setting up tray lines.
**SUPERVISION RECEIVED**
This position reports directly to the cooks.
**SUPERVISION EXERCISED**
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees or functions.
**ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION**
Ability to read menus and daily production sheets.
Ability to follow directions from cooks on duty.
Must be responsible for setting up tray line on time with correct food items in right location, and proper serving utensils provided.
Ability to do heavy lifting and ability to handle hot pans and food.
After four (4) weeks of training, ability to replace the third cook when necessary.
Ability to clean all kitchen equipment using our high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
Perform all related work as required; and perform any job designated by supervisor to ensure a smooth operation.
**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to remain standing for extended periods of time and ability to do moderate to heavy lifting.
Must be able to work in a warm, moist atmosphere and work in close contact with other people.
Willingness to do routine work according to specific instructions.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.
**TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT**
Pots, pans, ovens, steam kettles, ladles, pen, pencil, pad, spoons, coffee urn, and any related equipment. Rubber gloves must be worn when required.
**PHYSICAL DEMANDS**
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than fifty (50) pounds.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
**WORK ENVIRONMENT**
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately noisy.
**SELECTION GUIDELINES**
Formal application, rating of education and experien e, oral interview and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
**FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)**
**DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE**
**PAY GRADE: GU-03A**
**UNION STATUS: AFSCME GRACEDALE**
Updated July 2025
**The Cook's Helper is full-time including every other weekend, 10:30a-6:30p. Position assists cooks in food preparation and setting up tray lines.**
**Job Benefits for Full Time Employees**
Full-time employees of the County of Northampton are offered a package of benefits which includes the following:
- Medical Insurance
- Vision and Prescription
- Dental
- Life Insurance
- Traditional Pension
The Cook's Helper assists cooks in food preparation and setting up tray lines.
**SUPERVISION RECEIVED**
This position reports directly to the cooks.
**SUPERVISION EXERCISED**
This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees or functions.
**ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION**
Ability to read menus and daily production sheets.
Ability to follow directions from cooks on duty.
Must be responsible for setting up tray line on time with correct food items in right location, and proper serving utensils provided.
Ability to do heavy lifting and ability to handle hot pans and food.
After four (4) weeks of training, ability to replace the third cook when necessary.
Ability to clean all kitchen equipment using our high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
Perform all related work as required; and perform any job designated by supervisor to ensure a smooth operation.
- An employee assigned to this title shall perform a majority, but may not perform all, of the duties listed in this job description. Conversely, minor level duties performed on the job may not be listed. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.*
- EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE** - Completion of a high school, or general equivalency, diploma.
**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to remain standing for extended periods of time and ability to do moderate to heavy lifting.
Must be able to work in a warm, moist atmosphere and work in close contact with other people.
Willingness to do routine work according to specific instructions.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.
**TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT**
Pots, pans, ovens, steam kettles, ladles, pen, pencil, pad, spoons, coffee urn, and any related equipment. Rubber gloves must be worn when required.
**PHYSICAL DEMANDS**
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk or hear.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than fifty (50) pounds.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
**WORK ENVIRONMENT**
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The employee occasionally works in precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately noisy.
**SELECTION GUIDELINES**
Formal application, rating of education and experien e, oral interview and reference check as well as job related tests may be required.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
**FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME)**
**DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE**
**PAY GRADE: GU-03A**
**UNION STATUS: AFSCME GRACEDALE**
Updated July 2025