Cook

Centro de la Familia de Utah; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Centro de la Familia is seeking a skilled Cook to prepare nutritious meals for preschool children in our Head Start program. You will follow planned menus, ensure safety, and help create a joyful mealtime experience.

Requirements include HS/GED, experience in child-focused food prep, ability to read recipes in English, and familiarity with USDA/CACFP standards. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred; full-time day schedule with competitive pay.

Qualifications

• HS/GED required with minimum one year of food prep experience.
• Familiarity with USDA/CACFP meal requirements preferred.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Experience purchasing, documenting food production and costs.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred; reading recipes and menus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, serve and document meals and snacks for Head Start Center.
• Follow planned menus and manage kitchen operations and inventory.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen per health and food safety codes.
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal food service regulations.
• Supervise staff or volunteers as desired.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Reading & writing English

Education

HS/GED

Tools

Computer skills

USDA/CACFP standards

Job description

Join Our Team at Centro de la Familia!

Do you dream of spending weekends at home and enjoying dinner every evening? How about putting your culinary magic to work for the most adorable little eaters in town?

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Join Our Team at Centro de la Familia! Do you dream of spending weekends at home and enjoying dinner every evening? How about putting your culinary magic to work for the most adorable little eaters in town? If you're passionate about crafting nutritious and delicious meals, we have an exciting opportunity just for you! We're on the lookout for a dedicated and skilled Cook to whip up delightful dishes for our preschool program. Your culinary talents will be the secret ingredient in creating a wholesome and enjoyable dining experience for the children in our care. Join us in making mealtime a joy for these young hearts!

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all Local, State, and Federal regulations related to food services.
• Order, prepare, serve, and document meals and snacks for the Head Start Center.
• Follow planned menus and manage kitchen operations, including inventory control.
• Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment, adhering to health and food safety codes.
• Prepare meals for infants, toddlers, and preschool children following USDA/CACFP standards.

Why Work With Us

• Great Pay & Benefits – Competitive compensation and benefits to support your well-being.
• Growth & Training – Ongoing professional development, certifications, and career pathways.
• Mentorship & Support – Team-based guidance from experienced mentors and coaches.
• Work-Life Balance – Positive, respectful environment with support for healthy boundaries.
• Wellness & Belonging – Inclusive culture with wellness programs and team-building.
• Appreciation – Regular recognition of your hard work and dedication.

Why You'll Love It Here

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

Requirements

• HS/GED. Minimum of one year of experience in food preparation.
• Familiarity With USDA/CACFP Meal Requirements Is Preferred.
• Familiarity with computer programs.
• Experience in preparing diverse appropriate foods.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Experience in purchasing, documenting food production, food costs and meal counts.
• Experience in supervising staff or volunteers is desirable.
• Current and former Early Head Start and Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Language Skills

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as recipes, menus, production records, safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and interpret graphs and charts.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Certifications

• USDA/CACFP, Food handlers, SERV Safe Manager, CPR and First Aid Certification.

Salary

$15.80-$21.34