Cook Aide

Join to apply for the Cook Aide (10-month, Full-Time) role at The Guidance Center
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As a recognized leader in our field, The Guidance Center has provided a broad range of services to children, adults, and families since 1958, helping more than 18,000 people annually through 25 programs. Our mission is to nurture development, foster resilience, and cultivate well‑being.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Cook Aide to join our team of talented professionals in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.

• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment and in nutritional practices that support the healthy well‑being of children.
• Adhere to and maintain compliance with The Guidance Center, Office of Head Start Performance Standards, State of Michigan Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and all local, state, and agency policies and procedures.
• Prepare and serve meals according to planned menus and CACFP guidelines.
• Adhere to sanitation and safety procedures, including proper food temperatures, storage, and preparation guidelines.
• Order foods and supplies from approved vendors to meet the needs of the menu and/or site.
• Assist in receiving orders from vendors and verify proper delivery of items.
• Operate, clean, and maintain all food service equipment.
• Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils using approved sanitation methods.
• Deliver meals from the kitchen to classrooms.

• Assist in planning menus that meet each child’s daily nutritional needs, including children with special dietary needs or restrictions.
• Complete required reports and maintain related documentation according to CACFP guidelines, including invoice breakdowns and end‑of‑month inventory.

• Attend a minimum of 16 hours of professional development training annually on topics relevant to job responsibilities.
• Maintain and update an individual Professional Development Binder.
• Develop and achieve a minimum of three professional development goals annually.
• Attend staff, agency, staffing, and other meetings as required.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in professional food service operations.
• Knowledge of appropriate food preparation methods and sanitation practices.
• Demonstrate cultural competency, sensitivity, and respect for the diverse backgrounds, needs, and experiences of children, families, community volunteers, and TGC employees.
• Pass a physical examination and background checks before hire.

The Guidance Center believes that our team members are our most valuable resources, and we invest in them accordingly. We offer a competitive salary, flexible scheduling opportunities, a team‑oriented work environment, and much more!

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Management and Manufacturing

• Mental Health Care

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Guidance Center by 2x.