Head Start Cook

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring; Stephenville (TX); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive PTO

Paid holidays

Health, dental, vision insurance

403(b) Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. dba Upbring in Stephenville, TX is seeking a Head Start Cook to prepare and serve meals while maintaining a clean, safe kitchen in compliance with Head Start and Child Care standards.

The role requires a High School diploma or equivalent, 1 year of food service/kitchen experience, and a current Food Handler's permit. Travel up to 10% is possible and generous benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1 year of food services or kitchen experience.
• Current Food Handler's permit/certification.
• Two (2) years of experience in food services (preferred).

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 mealtime.
• 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 to ensure health and safety of each child in care.
• Immediately communicate with supervisor all concerns related to child health and safety.

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.

Head Start Cook

US-TX-Stephenville

Job ID: 2026-7185

# of Openings: 1

Category: Head Start

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 mealtime
• 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 carries 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 Directors' 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of food services or kitchen experience
• Current Food Handler'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 physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.

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.