Food Service Cook

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 Food Service Cook preps, prepares, and serves meals for multiple locations according to the planned meal schedule and maintains 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.     

Responsibilities

• Prep, prepare, and serve large-volume meals according to proper preparation methods 
• Coordinates with classroom staff to ensure sufficient quantities are prepared and distributed for scheduled mealtimes across multiple locations 
• Ensures all kitchen and related equipment are cleaned using prescribed products in accordance to safety guidelines and in good operating condition  
• Ensures that cooking equipment, dishes and utensils are washed and sanitized in accordance with department standards and stored appropriately daily 
• Assists in transporting and serving meals in accordance with the Child Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) while managing food quantities to meet the needs of larger groups and multiple locations during scheduled mealtimes  
• Ensure all areas are clean, safe and properly sanitized and carries trash to outside dumpster for disposal 
• Dispose leftovers and assist in managing and maintaining fresh food products 
• Staff must not use/impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method to discipline children 
• Comply with the company code of conduct and other applicable regulations and requirements, including Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Upbring policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, HSPPS regulations and standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and laws 
• 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  
• Maintains assigned agency vehicle(s) using checklist 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent 
• Current Food Handler Certification  
• One (1) year experience as a cook, kitchen assistant, or in food preparation 
• Valid Texas Driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; ability to meet Agency insurance provider guidelines as an insured and approved driver 
• Familiarity with basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook 

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years’ experience as a cook, kitchen assistant, or in food preparation 
• Knowledge in serving Head Start children under CACFP 
• Working knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures required by city, state, and county health department regulations 
• Bilingual in Spanish and English based on service population 

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 40%

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more  
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires physical activity such as occasional sitting, frequent standing, and walking.
• 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 being mobile to coordinate events
• 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, gender identity, 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.