Head Start Chef

Jefferson County is a vibrant community located in Colorado known for its dedication to providing comprehensive public services that enhance the quality of life for its residents. Within its organizational framework, the Head Start Division plays a critical role in supporting children and families by delivering high-quality educational and nutritional programs that cater to early childhood development. The division is focused on fostering holistic growth among children, emphasizing not only educational outcomes but also their health and wellness through nutritious meal programs. Jefferson County offers a professional and supportive work environment committed to employee growth and community impact, backed by a robust benefits package that supports personal and professional needs, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement matching, wellness initiatives, and tuition reimbursement. This position is full-time with standard scheduled weekly hours of 40, primarily Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, with no regular weekend shifts and occasional evening hours required. The role demands on-site presence at the Arvada site kitchen to ensure hands-on leadership and coordination of food preparation services. The compensation range for the Head Start Chef position is competitive within the local market, starting at $23.00 and up to $24.00 per hour depending on education, experience, and skill set.

The Head Start Chef is responsible for facilitating from-scratch preparation of fresh, wholesome, and developmentally appropriate meals for children within the Head Start program. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the nutritional needs of children across five locations are met with culinary excellence and compliance with regulatory standards. The chef will lead daily kitchen operations including menu review in collaboration with program managers, development of daily work schedules for Kitchen Aides, training staff, maintaining food safety standards, and managing meal service records such as allergen information, inventory, and temperature logs. This position requires someone who possesses both culinary skill and a passion for child nutrition, emphasizing the creation of meals that are both appealing to children and meet stringent health program requirements like the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The chef is also tasked with maintaining kitchen equipment and supporting inventory control to minimize waste and ensure high-quality food storage. This leadership role demands excellent organizational skills, a team-oriented mindset, and the ability to communicate effectively with multiple program stakeholders to promote a nutritious and safe mealtime experience. Through teamwork, training, and culinary expertise, the Head Start Chef contributes significantly to the health and well-being of children participating in this vital community service.