Cook Head Start

Overview

About Us

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.

About Our Headstart Centers

Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.

What You'll Do

The primary job duty of the Cook is to prep, prepare, and serve meals according to the planned meal schedule and maintain 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.   

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders on the pursuit of breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example while embodying our core values: We are Warriors. We are Servants. We are Family. 

*This is a year-round position

Responsibilities

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Welfare

Work Standards 

• Prep, prepare, and serve planned meals according to proper preparation methods
• Prepare meals and delivery of meals in accordance with the Child Adult Food Care Program (CACFP); use proper tools and methods to calibrate thermometers prior to the start of meal preparation
• Ensure the proper amount of food is available for teachers and children during scheduled mealtime
• Maintain an appropriate inventory list (shopping list), and plan meals according to the menu
• Maintain meal production records in accordance with CACFP
• Ensure the proper rotation of stock supplies with dates clearly marked on product, first in/first out
• Ensure all cooking, storage and work areas are clean, safe and properly sanitized
• Dispose leftovers and assist in managing and maintaining fresh food products
• Label, date, stock and store food items and supplies upon delivery
• Cooking equipment, dishes and utensils must be washed and sanitized according to department standards and stored appropriately daily
• Ensure all kitchen and related equipment are cleaned using prescribed products in accordance to safety guidelines and in good operating condition
• Staff must not use/impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method to discipline children
• Comply with company policies, procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and HSPPS regulations and standards. Always ensure the health and safety of each child in care, and support the overall well-being of children
• 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
• All other duties and special projects as assigned

We Are Servants| We Help Others

Teamwork

• Seek guidance and support from supervisor for and workplace concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns that may require intervention
• Assist other kitchen staff with the serving of meals; control portions to eliminate waste
• Assist with making a shopping list and shopping of needed food items and supplies
• Assist in cleaning and sanitizing center as directed by Center Director

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Report any problems or issues with children regarding safety or sanitization concerns to the Center Director in a timely manner
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with management, staff, volunteers and vendors to ensure provision of quality food program for children  in accordance with CACFP
• Work as a team, exhibit professional behavior (commitment, confidence, responsibility, dependability, honesty, ethics, and appearance) and a positive attitude and is consistent with Upbring policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with children, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• 1-year food services or kitchen experience
• Current Food Manager’s permit/certification

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-year experience in food services industry

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Working knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures required by city, state, and county health department regulations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Familiarity with basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 24/7 access to telemedicine and counseling services 
• Discounted Gym Memberships 

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods
• Position may work in a child facility and have limited exposure to children
• Lift, push, pull or move up to 60 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.

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging 

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

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, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.