Cook

Paylocity; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 31,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great pay & benefits

Growth & training

Mentorship & support

Work-life balance

Wellness & belonging

Appreciation

Job summary

Centro de la Familia is seeking a Cook for our Head Start program to prepare nutritious meals for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. You will follow USDA/CACFP standards, manage kitchen operations, and document meals and snacks with accuracy.

Qualifications include HS/GED and at least one year of food prep experience, plus familiarity with relevant regulations. Bilingual English/Spanish is preferred, and supervision of staff or volunteers is a plus.

Qualifications

• HS/GED required; one year of food prep experience.
• Familiar with USDA/CACFP meal requirements.
• Familiar with computer programs.
• Experience in purchasing, documenting food production, food costs and meal counts.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers desirable.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with 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.

Skills

Food preparation

Bilingual EN/ES

Supervising staff

Purchasing & cost documentation

USDA/CACFP knowledge

Reading & writing English

Education

HS/GED

Tools

Computer programs

Job description

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

Qualifications:

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.