Cook

Join to apply for the Cook role at Save the Children US

The Cook plays a critical role within the Head Start program, preparing and serving meals to children and families while ensuring compliance with health and food safety codes and the CACFP meal requirements.

• Prepare and serve food, including accommodations for special dietary needs, following menus approved by a registered dietitian.
• Maintain accurate records of food preparation, inventory, and sanitation in designated online systems.
• Oversee the processing and storage of food and food-related items, ensuring safe handling and proper storage conditions.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain utensils and equipment used in an institutional kitchen.
• Adhere to sanitation requirements when storing, handling, and preparing food.
• Oversee full kitchen operations and may supervise additional staff or volunteer assistance.
• Implement a cost‑effective food service program, helping control food and labor costs.
• Ensure standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with CACFP meal requirements.
• Distribute and post weekly menu.
• Deliver food to classrooms and other centers, where applicable.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques.
• Organize time to get things done and keep the manager informed of important issues.
• Build effective relationships within the workgroup and with children/families.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the manager.

• High school diploma plus at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to service to children.
• Proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and work well with staff, parents, and families.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Proven teamwork orientation and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children and infants/toddlers.
• Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Confidentiality regarding families and children.

• Previous experience meeting Health Department Regulations, USDA, and Head Start Standards.
• Previous experience working with CACFP.
• Certification in Serv Safe.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish or other local languages.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Prior Head Start/Early Head Start parent status preferred.

• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work, lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently, plus repetitive motion skills and computer use.
• Clear pre‑employment background check requirements, including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations.
• Requirement to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Base pay starts at $15/hour. Actual base salary may vary based upon experience, credentials, and internal peer comparison.

We offer a range of benefits to support a inclusive team, including paid time off, competitive health coverage, life and accidental death benefits, employee rewards, retirement savings plan, wellness programs, employee assistance, learning & growth opportunities, and more.

Save the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.