Food Service Worker

HRCAP INC; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community organization in Newport News is seeking a Cook to prepare healthy meals for Head Start students. This position requires adherence to USDA guidelines and involves managing kitchen operations, inventory, and ensuring food safety. Candidates must have at least 2 years of cooking experience and appropriate certifications.

Benefits

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Retirement plan

1 paid day off for your birthday annually

Paid winter, spring, and summer breaks

Qualifications

• Requires 2 years of experience as a cook in a large kitchen.
• Must have reliable transportation and valid Virginia Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Cook in a commissary style kitchen for a large number of students and staff.
• Supervises the kitchen staff to ensure food safety standards are followed.
• Complete weekly inventory and maintain all supplies properly.

Skills

Knowledge of standard food safety

Flexible in assignment location

Comfortable with use of email and technology

Education

High School education or GED

Food Service Managers Certification

Food Handlers Certification

Job description

Newport News, United States | Posted on 06/06/2025

Department: HRCAP Head Start/Early Head Start

Purpose of Position: Work as a member of the nutrition team to cook healthy nutritious meals for Head Start students as required by Head Start Performance Standards and USDA Guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Requires knowledge of standard food safety and 2 years of experience as a cook.
  
• Requires two years of experience in a large kitchen in planning/preparation of meals to be packed and delivered.
  
• Must have High School education or GED.
  
• Have or complete within 90 days of employment: Food Service Managers Certification.
  
• Have or complete within 30 days of employment: Food Handlers Certification.
  
• Requires one year of inventory experience and some experience in ordering food for large groups.
  
• Must have reliable transportation and valid Virginia Driver’s License.
  
• The ability to read and understand recipes and assigned tasks.
  
• Comfortable with use of email and technology.
  
• Flexible in assignment location, works well in team setting and can complete tasks individually.
  

Duties:

• Cook in a commissary style kitchen for a large number of students and staff, following CACFP meal pattern requirements and USDA guidelines.
  
• Time management and flexibility in meal service schedule, working closely with Education staff.
  
• Set up required food safety standard kitchen procedures and take food and equipment temperatures daily.
  
• Supervises the Driver(s), and Food Service Worker(s) in the kitchen to ensure that they are following food safety standards, following kitchen policy and procedures, and all staff complete inventory weekly.
  
• Complete weekly inventory and maintain all supplies on a first in first out basis.
  
• Maintains neat and accurate records as specified by the Nutrition Manager and Nutrition Coordinator.
  
• Submits accurate and legible documentation to the Nutrition Manager and Nutrition Coordinator as required.
  
• Assist and encourage parent participation in the Nutrition Program and promote family wellness.
  
• Checks all deliveries to ensure quality and quantity ordered is correct before accepting.
  
• Stores food and supplies properly in accordance with kitchen policy and procedures, following USDA Guidelines and Virginia State Health Regulations.
  
• Keeps kitchen and all equipment clean and sanitary at all times.
  
• Wears proper attire and slip resistant shoes daily.
  
• Be attentive to all special needs of children relating to food allergies, medical needs etc. as posted or provided by the Nutrition Manager and Nutrition Coordinator.
  
• Attends all staff meetings and training sessions.
  
• Other duties as assigned by the Nutrition Manager, Nutrition Coordinator and Head Start Director.
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The ability to lift 30lbs.
  
• The ability to stand for long (4 hour or more at a time) periods of time.
  
• The ability to withstand the changing extreme hot to cold temperatures of a kitchen.
  

Requirements

• Requires knowledge of standard food safety and 2 years of experience as a cook.
  
• Requires two years of experience in a large kitchen in planning/preparation of meals to be packed and delivered.
  
• Must have High School education or GED.
  
• Have or complete within 90 days of employment: Food Service Managers Certification.
  
• Have or complete within 30 days of employment: Food Handlers Certification.
  
• Requires one year of inventory experience and some experience in ordering food for large groups.
  
• Must have reliable transportation and valid Virginia Driver’s License.
  
• The ability to read and understand recipes and assigned tasks.
  
• Comfortable with use of email and technology.
  
• Flexible in assignment location, works well in team setting and can complete tasks individually.
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The ability to lift 30lbs.
  
• The ability to stand for long (4 hour or more at a time) periods of time.
  
• The ability to withstand the changing extreme hot to cold temperatures of a kitchen.
  

Benefits Summary – Hampton Roads Community Action Program (HRCAP)

HRCAP offers a comprehensive benefits package available starting the first of the month following your hire date, including:

Leave Benefits:

Accrue 5 hours of sick leave per pay period

1 paid day off for your birthday annually

Paid Winter, Spring, and Summer breaks

Paid Holidays:

11 paid holidays, including New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving (and the day after), Christmas Day, and others

Health Insurance:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents

75% of health premiums paid by employer

Retirement Plan:

403 (b) plan with a Dollar-for-dollar match up to 3% after one year of service

For full details, refer to the HRCAP Employee Handbook and Summary Plan Documents.