Substitute Cook PRN

Head Start; Texas City (TX); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Upbring is seeking a Substitute Cook to prepare and serve meals for our child-care program, adhering to CACFP guidelines and Head Start standards. You will maintain a clean, safe kitchen and support meal service for children and staff.

The role requires a High School diploma (or equivalent) and a current Food Handler’s permit, with prior kitchen experience and knowledge of food safety. This on-site position may require travel up to 10% and supports a child-centered facility.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent requirement.
• Current Food Handler’s permit/certification requirement.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals according to CACFP guidelines and proper food preparation methods.
• Ensure adequate food portions for children and staff during scheduled mealtimes.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitized kitchen environment.
• Assist in transporting and serving meals while following food safety regulations.
• Dispose of leftovers and help manage inventory of fresh food items.
• Follow safety, sanitation, and child welfare policies per Head Start and regulatory standards.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food safety

CACFP compliance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Food Handler’s permit/certification

Job description

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 Substitute Cook prepares and serves meals according to the planned schedule while maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment in the absence of the assigned Cook. This role ensures compliance with CACFP, Head Start Performance Standards, and all relevant regulations. Duties include meal prep, cooking, and adhering to food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals according to CACFP guidelines and proper food preparation methods
• Ensure adequate food portions for children and staff during scheduled mealtimes
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitized kitchen environment, including washing and storing dishes and utensils properly
• Assist in transporting and serving meals while following food safety regulations
• Dispose of leftovers and help manage fresh food inventory
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and child welfare policies, ensuring compliance with Head Start and regulatory standards
• Immediately report any child health or safety concerns to a supervisor and nutrition coordinator
• Follow CACFP regulations, maintain accurate CACFP documentation, and track food inventory
• Working knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures required by city, state, and county health department regulations

Qualifications

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%

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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.