Job Overview

briefcase

Employment Type

Full-time
Hourly
moneybag

Compensation

Hourly
Exact $15.45
clock

Work Schedule

Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Split Shifts
diamond

Benefits

paid leave
Dental Insurance
flexible spending accounts
Health reimbursement arrangements
health savings accounts
PPO medical plans
Vision Insurance
Supplemental life coverage
Retirement Plan

Job Description

Child-Parent Centers, Inc. is a well-established nonprofit organization committed to fostering the growth and development of children and families through comprehensive education and support programs. Located in Tucson, Arizona, Child-Parent Centers operates various Head Start and Early Head Start centers, including the Wright Head Start center at 2080 North Columbus Boulevard. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education, nutritious meals, and family support services designed to promote school readiness and healthy development in children from birth to age five. With a strong emphasis on community partnership and holistic support, Child-Parent Centers plays a critical role in empowering families and strengthening communities.

The Cook Assistant position at Wright Head Start is an entry-level, hourly role designed for individuals passionate about food service and nutrition in an educational setting. The position involves working 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with occasional evening or weekend shifts as necessary. The role reports directly to the Center Manager and operates within a semi-commercial kitchen environment that balances professional food preparation standards with a warm, family-style approach to meal service in classrooms.

As a Cook Assistant, the candidate will contribute significantly to preparing and serving nutritious meals and snacks in compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. Responsibilities include assisting with food orders, managing food storage, maintaining stringent sanitary practices, supporting meal preparation, dishwashing, and kitchen cleaning duties. The role demands a high level of organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work efficiently in a time-sensitive environment. Strong math skills are essential to help maintain food costs within budgetary limits.

The position requires staff to uphold the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and operational efficiency while fostering a positive and supportive environment for children and colleagues. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who enjoy a blend of teamwork and independent work, have prior food service experience, and are motivated to support nutritional education through hands-on meal preparation. Salary is competitive at $15.45 per hour, reflective of the vital role this position plays in the overall success of the Head Start program.

Working at Child-Parent Centers offers a dynamic and supportive workplace that values professional growth and community impact. Employees benefit from comprehensive insurance coverage, generous paid leave, and retirement planning options, ensuring a balanced and rewarding career. This role also provides prospects for professional development in early childhood education and food service management within a respected and mission-driven organization. If you are enthusiastic about contributing to the health and well-being of children through food service and enjoy working in an engaging community-focused environment, applying for the Cook Assistant position at Wright Head Start is a promising career step.

Job Requirements

  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Prior experience in food service activities including preparing nutritious meals, scheduling meals, proper food handling and storage, food inventory, and ordering
  • Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Submit a current AZ Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card prior to start date
  • Possess a valid Arizona driver’s license and excellent driving record
  • Must be able to travel to and from various sites as needed
  • Provide proof of immunizations including MMR, Tdap, and Tuberculosis self-assessment
  • Able to pass a company paid physical exam prior to starting work
  • Able to pass a criminal background check
  • Must be able to prove the right to work in the USA
  • Must possess or have the ability to possess and keep current certification in First Aid Training/CPR including infants and children
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain Food Safety Manager Certification and Food Handler’s Certificate within 30 days of employment

Job Qualifications

  • Possess a High School Diploma or GED
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Prior experience in food service activities including preparing nutritious meals, scheduling meals, proper food handling and storage, food inventory, and ordering
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English
  • Submit a current AZ Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
  • Possess a valid Arizona driver’s license and excellent driving record

Job Duties

  • Demonstrate sanitary practices in relation to preparation of food and personal hygiene
  • Assist in meals preparation and afternoon snacks for children
  • Assist in maintaining kitchen to meet sanitation requirements
  • cleans dishes, stoves, carts and work surfaces after meal preparation
  • Maintain daily record of number of snacks served
  • Prepare quantity of food to meet CACFP and Head Start Standards
  • Work independently and cooperatively with the cook
  • Assist cooks in calculating and ordering food from vendors to prepare planned meals using centralized ordering system
  • Limits shopping for approved items and errands to center workday and/or before or after preparation and clean-up times

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


Job Location

Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.

We'll match you with best jobs

Get job offers faster

Business woman
Business man
Search For More Opportunities:

How Candidates Get Hired Faster

Apply to 2–3 similar roles

Complete profile & get best matches

Check new opportunities daily

Woman chef
Man chef