Cook Aide

Centro de la Familia de Utah; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Centro de la Familia is seeking a Cook to prepare nutritious meals for preschoolers in our Head Start program in Grand Junction, Colorado. The role emphasizes adhering to USDA/CACFP standards, managing a kitchen, and ensuring safe, compliant operation.

You will work with a bilingual team, handle inventory, and follow menus while supporting a warm, inclusive environment for young learners.

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 purchasing, documenting food production, food costs and meal counts.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Experience in supervising staff or volunteers is desirable.
• Current and former Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

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.

Skills

Food prep

Bilingual English/Spanish

Reading & writing English

Purchasing & costs

Supervising (staff/volunteers)

USDA/CACFP knowledge

Education

HS/GED

Tools

Computer programs

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?

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!

About Us:

At Centro de la Familia, we are not just educators; we are dream builders. Our warm, vibrant environment is designed to cultivate curious minds, explore boundless possibilities, and create lasting memories. We believe that every child is a unique story waiting to be written.

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 You'll Love Working Here:

At Centro de la Familia, we have been committed to community and family engagement since 1975, operating Head Start programs since 1991. Our team is bilingual, inclusive, and dedicated to serving underserved areas with culturally sensitive care.

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.