Head Start Cook

Friends of Children and Families (FOCAF) is a reputable non-profit organization committed to serving pre-school children and their families in Ada and Elmore Counties. The organization specializes in providing early childhood education and family engagement services, aiming to empower children and families within the community. As a mission-driven entity, FOCAF emphasizes positive impacts in the lives of its service recipients through comprehensive support programs, dedicated staff, and community partnerships. Established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, FOCAF fosters a supportive, inclusive environment for both employees and the families it serves, contributing significantly to local community development and child welfare.

The Head Start Cook position at FOCAF is an integral role responsible for preparing nutritious meals aligned with rigorous health and safety standards. This full-time position offers up to 40 hours per week, with an hourly wage ranging between $18.00 and $19.50. The successful candidate will prepare meals according to menus designed by the Health and Safety Manager while ensuring strict compliance with guidelines set forth by Head Start, the District Health Department, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This role demands meticulous attention to sanitary kitchen practices, food storage, and meal transportation safety to maintain high-quality food service provisions.

In addition to direct meal preparation duties, the Head Start Cook collaborates closely with the Cook’s Assistant and center staff to provide nutritional information to program participants, families, and colleagues. The role requires maintaining accurate meal count records and generating periodic reports on meals prepared and served, leveraging technology such as iPads and HealthePro software. Dietary reports must be kept current, particularly concerning special diet needs and food allergies for certain children, underscoring the critical responsibility to safeguard child health through attentive meal planning and compliance.

FOCAF provides a supportive work environment with comprehensive benefits including low-cost medical and vision insurance, free dental coverage, short-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, and a matching 4% 401(k) plan after one year of employment. Additional benefits include paid sick leave, personal leave, bereavement leave, and generous paid time off. As a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, FOCAF uniquely benefits employees seeking loan repayment assistance while contributing meaningfully to public service.

This role suits individuals passionate about nutrition, child care, and community service, who are prepared to comply fully with health physical screenings, TB tests, enhanced criminal background checks, and drug testing policies. Candidates must be capable of lifting 45 pounds and demonstrate a commitment to obtaining and maintaining ServSafe Food Handlers certification. The Head Start Cook position offers a blend of hands-on meal preparation duties, administrative responsibilities, and team collaboration within a mission-focused organization dedicated to improving child and family outcomes in the community.