Head Start Cook (51204)

Kiowa Tribe; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiowa Tribe Head Start Lawton, OK is seeking a Head Start Cook to prepare balanced, CACFP-compliant meals and snacks for children, families and staff. The role requires following federal, state and tribal policies and maintaining a sanitary kitchen.

Responsibilities include ordering food, preparing meals, documenting CACFP reimbursements and collaborating with classroom teachers on a six-week menu cycle. A culinary arts certificate or two years in food prep is preferred, plus a valid food

Qualifications

• Certificate of completion in culinary arts or a minimum of two years experience in food preparation.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledgeable in USDA CACFP reimbursement reporting.
• Computer literate.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a sanitary kitchen and food service environment.
• Comply with food service and environmental health policies and procedures.
• Order/purchase food necessary for meal preparation.
• Prepare daily meals and/or snacks for center-based children.
• Maintain daily record keeping for USDA CACFP reimbursement program.
• Monthly food experience with center-based children in collaboration with classroom teachers.
• Participate in the development of a six-week menu cycle; submitted for approval from a certified dietitian.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food handler's certificate

CACFP knowledge

Computer literacy

Education

Culinary arts certificate

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Head Start Cook (51204)# Head Start Cook (51204)Lawton Head Start - Lawton, OK 73507Start Date 09/11/2026## OverviewSalary Range$13.00 - $16.00 Hourly## Description**JOB SUMMARY**: Prepare well balanced, nutritionally appropriate, dietitian approved meals and/or snacks for Head Start children, families and staff while maintaining CACFP guidelines, including reporting. **RESPONSIBILITIES:*** Maintain a sanitary kitchen and food service environment.* Comply with food service and environmental health policies and procedures.* Abide by all applicable federal, state and tribal regulation, policies and procedures including but not limited to, Head Start Program Performance Standards, OKDHS Child Care Licensing Requirements and Kiowa Tribe policies and procedures.* Order/purchase food necessary for meal preparation.* Prepare daily meals and/or snacks for center-based children.* Maintain daily record keeping for USDA CACFP reimbursement program.* Monthly food experience with center-based children in collaboration with classroom teachers.* Participate in the development of a six-week menu cycle; submitted for approval from a certified dietitian.* Other duties as assigned.**QUALIFICATIONS:*** Certificate of completion in culinary arts or a minimum of two years experience in food preparation with food handler's certificate* High school diploma or GED* Knowledgeable in USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimbursement reporting.* Computer literate**REQUIREMENTS:*** Must possess a valid Oklahoma state driver's license and be insurable under the Kiowa Tribe's Driving Policy.* Must submit to and pass a pre-employment background check with fingerprints.* Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test with random drug testing.* Must have an annual physical exam with TB test.* Must have a current immunization record.* Current Food Handler's Certification* Must be able to work independently.* Must complete Head Start and DHS Orientation (ELCCT, Food Handler's certification, First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days)**PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:*** Lift 50lbs.* Standing for long periods of time* Driving Head Start vehicles* Cleaning kitchen environment, including appliances (refrigerator, freezer, oven, range)* Reaching and bending## E.O.E & Indian Preference**Equal Opportunity Employer**: The Kiowa Tribe does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. **According to the Kiowa Tribe Human Resources Policies and Procedures, the Kiowa Tribe recognizes Kiowa Preference first, other federally recognized tribes second and other races last.** **Indian Preference** applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), BIA Form 4432, Tribal Identification or Certificate Degree of Indian Blood must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference.