Cook - Full Time

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive PTO & paid holidays

Health, dental, vision insurance &more

403(b) Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted Gym Memberships

Job summary

Upbring is seeking a Cook in its Head Start program in San Antonio, TX. The role involves preparing, cooking, and serving meals per the schedule, while maintaining a clean, sanitized kitchen and safe work environment to meet Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.

Under the Center Director's leadership, you will support health and nutritional needs of children and staff, manage food handling, and comply with all relevant standards and policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications identify required education and certifications.
• One year of food services or kitchen experience.
• Current FoodHandler's permit/certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and serve meals according to the planned schedule.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen and dining areas.
• Ensure proper food storage and handling to meet health standards.
• Operate kitchen equipment safely and responsibly.
• Comply with Head Start and regulatory requirements at all times.

Skills

Food service experience

Food Handler's permit

Strong sanitation knowledge

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Cook

US-TX-San Antonio

Job ID: 2026-7120

# of Openings: 1

Category: Head Start

Upbring

Overview

At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant‑leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve. Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head‑on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Your Mission in Action

The Cook preps, prepares, and serves meals according to the planned meal schedule and maintains a clean, sanitized, and safe work environment in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program, Upbring policies, Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers, Head Start Performance Standards, other federal, state, county, and local regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Prep, prepare, and serve meals according to proper preparation methods
• Ensures the proper amount of food is available for teachers and children during scheduled mealtimes
• Ensures all kitchen and related equipment are cleaned using prescribed products in accordance to safety guidelines and in good operating condition
• Ensures that cooking equipment, dishes and utensils are washed and sanitized in accordance with department standards and stored appropriately daily
• Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards always ensuring the health and safety of each child in care, and support the overall well‑being of children
• Ensure all areas are clean, safe and properly sanitized and carry trash to outside dumpster for disposal
• Dispose leftovers and assist in managing and maintaining fresh food products
• Comply with the company code of conduct and other applicable regulations and requirements, including Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Upbring policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, HSPPS regulations and standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and laws
• Immediately communicate with supervisor all concerns related to child health and safety
• Under the Center Director's leadership ensure operations are effectively and efficiently supporting and meeting the health and nutritional needs of the children and center staff
• Maintains assigned agency vehicle(s) using checklist.
• All other duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of food services or kitchen experience
• Current FoodHandler's permit/certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in food services industry

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 10%

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted Gym Memberships

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time in units/cottages which are areas where children reside
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs

The statements herein indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of the job and may request the employee to perform other duties and responsibilities not listed at their discretion. This job description is not a contract between the employee occupying the position and the employer.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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