Early Head Start Kitchen Lead: Nutritious Meals & Safety

DOUGLASS COMMUNITY SERVICES INC; New London (MO); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Free life insurance

401(k) retirement plan

PTO accrual

Holidays & winter break

Inclement weather days

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Career advancement

Job summary

Douglass Community Services, Inc. is seeking a dependable, mission-driven team member to support our Early Head Start program through nutritious meal preparation and facility sanitation. The role emphasizes child safety, well-being, and a clean learning environment.

You will ensure healthy meals, maintain records, and promote positive nutrition while coordinating with staff. This full-time, non-exempt position offers benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 1 year of food service experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of nutrition, food safety, sanitation procedures, and compliance with USDA/Health Department/Head Start standards.
• ServSafe Certification required within 3 months of hire; CPR/First Aid certification required or obtainable; valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Ensures a safe, sanitary, and compliant environment for food service and facility operations in accordance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, Missouri licensing, and sanitation standards.
• Plans, prepares, purchases, and serve food items while performing routine and deep cleaning to support overall facility health and safety
• Maintains cleanliness and safety of the entire facility, including kitchen, classrooms, common areas, playgrounds, and center vehicles, and coordinates routine maintenance as needed
• Complete and maintain required documentation including production records, sanitation logs, inventory tracking, and supply requests
• Support kitchen and center operations as needed, coordinating maintenance needs, and communicating with supervisors
• Foster positive relationships with families and staff while promoting healthy nutrition habits, maintaining confidentiality, and completing required training and mandated reporting responsibilities

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Food safety

Sanitation procedures

Attention to detail

Basic math

Computer proficiency

ServSafe Certification

CPR/First Aid

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Data entry

Word processing

Job description

Douglass Community Services, Inc. is seeking a dependable, mission-driven team member to support our Early Head Start program through nutritious meal preparation and facility sanitation. The role emphasizes child safety, well-being, and a clean learning environment.

You will ensure healthy meals, maintain records, and promote positive nutrition while coordinating with staff. This full-time, non-exempt position offers benefits and growth opportunities.