Head Start Kitchen Aide

Jefferson County; Arvada (CO); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Jefferson County Head Start seeks a Kitchen Aide in Arvada to assist with meal preparation, kitchen cleanliness, and delivering meals to Head Start locations. This part-time role supports school events and may require some evenings.

Primary location is Arvada with occasional duties in Lakewood and Wheat Ridge. Hourly pay ranges $19.00–$21.00, and the position is non-benefit eligible, with a 30-hour workweek cap.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.
• Experience in food service is a plus.
• Reliable team player who is flexible/adaptable.
• Basic math skills.
• Excellent customer service.
• Awareness of local, state and federal food safety laws and proper kitchen equipment maintenance.
• Passionate about the education of young children.

Responsibilities

• Portion food according to guidelines and ensure food safety.
• Assist with transporting meals to Head Start locations.
• Serve as back-up driver for catering van as needed.
• Accommodate special diets.
• Monitor dietary needs and allergies in classrooms.
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and storage areas.

Skills

Customer service

Team player

Math skills

Food safety awareness

Flexibility

Education of children

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on: 10/22/26 Division: Head Start Division Management Level: Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours: 30 Benefit Eligibility: This position is non-benefit eligible and must work no more than 130 hours per calendar month.

As part of Jefferson County’s Head Start department, the Kitchen Aide will be assisting with meal preparation, kitchen cleaning, and delivery of meals to Head Start children and school-wide events. May be asked to deliver meals to different Head Start locations in Arvada and Wheat Ridge.

About Head Start:

Head Start is a no cost, all-inclusive, child-focused, and family-centered early-childhood program for children ages 0-5. A range of individualized services in the areas of education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, nutrition, family support, and parent education. We strive to provide equitable and inclusive services and support to the diverse community we serve.

Check out our video, Scratch Cooking at Jefferson County Head Start: https://youtu.be/RRBr-QjBmAU

Head Start offers opportunities for on-site professional development scheduled during work hours, a team-oriented program that assists with providing the best service for our families, and individualized coaching.

SCHEDULE: This position is part-time. Working Monday through Friday. Primary location: Arvada, with occasional offsite responsibilities in Lakewood and Wheat Ridge.

COMPENSATION: Hiring Range: $19.00 – $21.00 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, retirement matching, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, and more.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Portion food according to the Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines and assure food safety standards are met.
• Assist with transporting meals to all Jefferson County Head Start locations.
• Serve as a back-up driver as needed for a catering van to provide meals at all off‑site locations.
• Make accommodation for special diets.
• Remain informed of all special dietary needs, including food allergies in the classrooms.
• Maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of all kitchen and storage areas, including, but not limited to, catering van, dishes, equipment/tools, walk‑ins, refrigeration, freezers, dry storage, and laundry.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, training and events; assist with the preparation of food and needed set‑up and clean‑up for school‑wide events, including some evenings.
• Maintain a smooth flow of service and works closely with co‑workers to ensure that the students, staff and families have a pleasurable dining experience.
• Reads and responds to emails and other communications.
• Adherence to all Head Start Policies and Procedures and Performance Standards, as well as any other local, state and/or federal laws.
• Other duties 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: High School Diploma or equivalent certificate.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus, but not required.
• Experience in food service (a plus but not necessary).
• Being a reliable team player who is flexible/adaptable.
• Basic math skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Awareness of local, state and federal food safety and sanitation laws, understanding of proper use and maintenance of major kitchen equipment and commitment to quality service (We will provide training in this area).
• Passionate about the education of young children.

Perjury Statement: Any applicant who knowingly or willfully makes a false statement of any material fact or thing in the application is guilty of perjury in the second degree as defined in Section 18-8-503, C.R.S., and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished accordingly.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

• Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references.
• 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 able to carry/lift loads greater than 35 pounds and transport up to 50 pounds on occasion. 100% of time spent standing and walking.
• The physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodations for this position include: Standing/walking for entire shift, frequently carrying/lifting loads greater than 35 pounds, and occasionally transporting up to 50 pounds.
• This position is temporary (summers off), with the possibility of renewal each school year.
• Current Jefferson County employees must apply through their employee profile in Workday. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Driver’s License: Positions that require driving on County business in either a county or personal vehicle require a valid Colorado’s driver’s license within 30-days of hire or beginning to serve as an intern or volunteer.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal history, motor vehicle report, education verification, and/or references for all positions.
• Accommodations Statement: We encourage people with disabilities to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout our hiring process.
• For assistance with applications, interviews, or other hiring‑related accommodations, contact [e-mail]. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot provide application status updates.

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity or any other status protected by Federal or State law.