Cook

Description:

Cook - Head Start Program - Full-Time

Job Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Cook as part of our Head Start program to team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for preparing nutritious meals for children enrolled in the Head Start program, ensuring that all dietary guidelines and safety standards are met. This role requires creativity in meal planning and a commitment to promoting healthy eating habits among young children.

Key Responsibilities:

- Prepare and cook balanced, nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with dietary guidelines.

- Plan menus that accommodate the dietary needs and preferences of children, including allergies and special diets.

- Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhering to food safety and sanitation standards.

- Collaborate with program staff to promote healthy eating and nutrition education for children and families.

- Monitor food inventory and assist in ordering supplies as needed.

- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding food preparation and safety.

- Participate in training and professional development opportunities related to nutrition and food service.

Skills and Qualifications:

- Must be 18 years of age or above.

- High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or experience in food service preferred.

- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record - proof of auto insurance within agency limits, or access to transportation.

- Immediate or continued enrollment in the Criminal History Registry - Child Care Division.

- Current Health Appraisal, updated every two (2) years.

- Health Sanitation Certification or ability to obtain within 90-days of hire.

- First Aid and Adult/Child/Infant CPR, or ability to obtain within 90-days of hire. 

- Experience working in a kitchen environment, preferably in a childcare or educational setting.

- Strong organizational and time management skills.

- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.

- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

- Passion for working with children and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Children First offers a competitive salary and benefits package.  We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Please see the link below to the new care provider background clearinghouse education and awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of HB 531 (2025). As part of these requirements each specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link all all job vacancy advertisements and posts.
Requirements:

Competencies:

- Standard cooking terms and measures, commercial kitchen procedures and equipment operation.

- Proper methods used commercially for food storage, use of equipment, materials and supplies.

- Health, safety and sanitation measures to maintain a commercial kitchen.

- Speak, read and write English; bilingual in English/Spanish is helpful.

- Communicate, orally and in writing, with all levels of audiences.

- Calculate simple mathematical problems related to food quantity, purchasing, portion allocation.

- Teach and/or train kitchen assistant staff, when applicable, utilizing adult learning principles.

- Collect, analyze, and utilize program data to plan, and monitor compliance, for continued growth and quality improvements.

- Work collaboratively and cooperatively with fellow staff, parents, and community partners.

- Develop and maintain positive relationships with staff, community partners and stakeholders.

- Utilize agency resources, appropriately.

- Maintain sustained concentration and attention to detail.

- Set and maintain professional boundaries with families.

- Work independently without intense supervision.

Physical/Mental Demands:

- Lifts and/or carries bulk items and food bins ranging 30-75 lbs.

- Walks and/or stands for extended periods of time.

- Engages in frequent, repetitive motion with hands, using manual dexterity in food preparation and operation of kitchen

equipment.

- Reaches with hands and arms, stretches, crouches, and talks/listens to exchange information.

- Responds both physically and mentally to emergency or crisis situations.

Environmental Conditions:

- Variability in temperature, environment and noise.

- Potential sensory response associated with various kitchen cleaning agents, fumes, dust, and foods.

- Contact with children who are ill and/or possibly contagious.

- Contact with chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment and facility.

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