Head Start Chef

Jefferson Health; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Retirement matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Jefferson Health in Arvada, CO seeks a Head Start Chef to lead from-scratch kitchen operations for five Head Start locations. You will coordinate daily prep, review menus with supervisors, and train Kitchen Aides to ensure nutritious meals and CACFP compliance.

The role runs 7:00 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Friday, on-site with a full-time schedule and competitive benefits. Prior Head Start or school-food experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 1 year of work-related experience.
• Valid driver's license by hire date.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience acceptable.
• Food Handler's Certification and CACFP certification preferred.
• Culinary training preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily scratch-kitchen operations per CACFP and health dept rules.
• Coordinate food prep, inventory, production planning to meet nutrition standards.
• Ensure timely meal service for breakfast, lunch, snack and classroom deliveries.
• Train and supervise Kitchen Aides; enforce food safety logs.
• Maintain allergen lists, temperatures and sanitation logs.
• Support Kitchen Manager with receiving, storage, inventory control and waste reduction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Driver's license

Culinary training

Food Handler's Certification

CACFP Certification

Job description

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on: 11/11/26 Division: Head Start Division Management Level: Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Benefit Eligibility: This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The Head Start Chef is responsible for facilitating the from-scratch preparation of whole, fresh, and nourishing foods that are both delicious and developmentally appropriate for children. This role coordinates daily food preparation in the Arvada site kitchen, including collaborating with program supervisors and leadership to review menu plans and ensure nutritional standards are met. Assists in developing daily project lists to define the responsibilities and procedures for Kitchen Aides. This includes training and coordinating Kitchen Aides to ensure the efficient and proper delivery of food for all Head Start children across five locations. Ensures proper meal service records are kept, such as allergen lists, inventory, and food temperature records. Manages the daily kitchen checklists ensuring all food safety standards are monitored and adhered to by all kitchen staff.

SCHEDULE:

This is a full-time position, with full-time work over the summer. Generally, there are no weekends and occasional evenings; hours are typically 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday-Friday. Please note that work is required to be completed on-site.

COMPENSATION:

Hiring Range: $23.00 - $24.00 USD Hourly Compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and skills.

BENEFITS:

Jefferson County offers a generous benefits package that supports your personal and professional life. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays, including a starting bank of 40 hours of PTO for new hires ; retirement matching; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement and more. For more information, click here for our Total Rewards summary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Responsible for daily scratch-kitchen operations in compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program ( CACFP) and Jefferson County Health Department food safety guidelines.
• Oversees and contributes to food preparation, cookery, recipe execution, inventory rotation (FIFO), task delegation, and production planning to ensure nutrition standards and required substitutions are prepared, including all special diets.
• Coordinates and executes timely meal service for breakfast, lunch, snack, classroom deliveries, and offsite deliveries.
• Organizes team production tasks, ensures accurate measurements per CACFP requirements, monitors food temperatures, and maintains required temperature and sanitation logs.
• Develops daily production schedules to maximize time, equipment, and kitchen space.
• Communicates clear expectations to Kitchen Aides, provides task direction, and supports cross-training to strengthen team performance and efficiency.
• Collaborates with the Kitchen Manager and supervisors to review kitchen systems, implement operational improvements, and support nutrition-related program initiatives, including family and classroom engagement opportunities.
• Supports Kitchen Manager for receiving, storage, and inventory control to maintain product quality and minimize waste. Ensure proper handling, labeling, stock rotation, and quality assessment of all food items. Communicates proactively when inventory needs adjustments.
• Reinforces safe and sanitary food handling practices and proper equipment use. Monitors equipment condition and coordinates maintenance or repair needs with the Kitchen Manager.
• Assists in the oversight of all kitchen staff, ensuring food handling protocols are met and equipment is well maintained.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Research shows that women and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click "apply" for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! A true passion and excitement for making an impact is just as important as work experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: 1 year of work-related experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license by hire date.
• Please note that an equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• School food or industrial food service experience.
• Certifications/Licenses: Food Handler's Certification and Annual certification in Child and Adult Care Food Programs.
• Culinary training.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION:

• Must have training on: universal precautions, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and food safety certification within the first 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain physical examination and tuberculosis test at hire.
• Must be ab