Early Head Start - Head Start Cook I, Prescott Valley

Northern Arizona Council of Governments; Prescott Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (agency paid) Moroccan

Dental

Vision

ASRS retirement

Sick leave

Holiday pay

Job summary

Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) seeks an Early Head Start - Head Start Cook I in Prescott Valley to prepare nutritious meals for children and maintain accurate program records.

You will plan menus with staff and parents, purchase within budget, prepare meals and snacks, and serve in a family-style setting while upholding safety and sanitation standards. Participation in meetings and trainings is expected.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of food preparation, safe storage and sanitation
• Ability to maintain relationships with people of varied backgrounds
• Bondable and reliable
• Physically able to perform duties
• Completion of required background and safety screenings as applicable

Responsibilities

• Plans menus with staff and parents to meet nutritional needs.
• Orders or purchases food within budget.
• Prepares meals and snacks from approved menus.
• Serves meals in a family-style setting with children.
• Maintains safety and sanitation in food prep and storage areas.
• Cleans and maintains equipment.
• Participates in staff meetings and training.
• Recruits parents to assist with menu planning.
• Posts menus, vendors, and weekly work schedules.

Skills

Knowledge of food preparation

Sanitation standards

Bondable

Ability to work with diverse groups

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma and 1 year nutrition/food prep experience

Job description

Early Head Start - Head Start Cook I, Prescott Valley

Job Category: Food Service Workers

Requisition Number: EARLY002015

• Posted : October 29, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

SUMMARY

In compliance with Federal Law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Prepares nutritious meals and snacks for Head Start children and maintains complete and accurate records of the food service program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans menus with parents and center staff to meet nutritional requirements of children.
• Orders or purchases food for the menus within budgetary limitations.
• Prepares meals and snacks from the approved menu.
• Serves the food in a family style setting and eats with the children.
• Practices safety and sanitation in preparation and storage of food.
• Cleans and maintains the food preparation and storage areas and equipment.
• Participates in classroom cooking experiences.
• Prepares all necessary records and reports.
• Participates in general and center staff meetings and in parent activities.
• Recruits parents to participate in menu planning and to act as substitute cooks.
• Participates in training programs and workshops.
• Posts weekly menus, list of vendors and weekly work schedules for Cook and Lunch Aide.
• Observes required health and safety rules.
• Performs related duties, as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises a Lunch Aide.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

Experience and training equivalent to graduation from high school and one year of nutrition and food preparation experience. Experience and training planning and preparing nutritious meals for the Head Start children, assuring that one-third of the daily nutritional needs are met. The cook is responsible for purchasing and storing food, keeping sanitary standards, and record keeping. The cook participates in all staff and center meetings and training. The cook works under general supervision of the Center Director after the requirements have been learned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge of food preparation, safe storage and sanitation. Genuine care and respect for children and their needs. Physical condition adequate to meet the physical and emotional demands of assigned duties. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with people of varied social, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Must be bondable.

Certificates and Licenses

Current, valid Arizona Driver's License.

Obtain Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card

Obtain Food Managers certification as required by the County Health Department

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

NACOG is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by the state, federal, or local law. NACOG is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individual with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Director, 928-774-1895, [e-mail] .

Benefits include: Agency paid health, dental, vision, Arizona State Retirement (ASRS); Paid sick leave & holiday pay

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.