Kitchen Aide (Cook's Aide)

This a grant funded position. The salary offer will not exceed the mid-point of the advertised salary range ($43,689.57).

Join our team at the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) and help support our mission to partner with communities, families, and individuals to provide opportunities to access a continuum of resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities. Our vision is to see connected communities where all individuals and families are supported and empowered to thrive.

Make a Difference, One Meal at a Time!
Are you passionate about nutrition and helping little ones grow? We're looking for a dedicated Kitchen Aide to join our Early Head Start team!

In this role, you'll be the heartbeat of our kitchen, ensuring our infants and toddlers (birth to age three) receive healthy, delicious meals and snacks every day. Working under our Nutrition Coordinator, you'll help fuel the next generation in a fun, fast-paced childcare environment.

What You'll Do:
Prep & Serve: Support the daily preparation and service of nutritious meals tailored for early childhood development.
Stay Organized: Use Child Plus to document meal service and keep things running smoothly.
Inventory Pro: Keep an eye on kitchen supplies and help manage orders so we never miss a beat.
Safety First: Maintain a sparkling clean kitchen by following Virginia Department of Health sanitation standards and CACFP requirements.
Compliance Champion: Ensure every meal meets Early Head Start performance standards.

What You'll Bring:
A heart for working in a childcare setting.
Reliability and a "team player" attitude.
Comfort using basic software (like Child Plus) for documentation.
Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) USDA and health department food safety regulations.

Why Join Us?
This is more than just a kitchen job-it's a chance to play a vital role in the health and happiness of children in our community. Apply today and help us nourish the next generation, one meal at a time!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience and training equivalent to completion of the tenth grade, supplemented by two years of work experience, preferably including some experience in the preparation of a variety of food in considerable quantity.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services Registry check to the satisfaction of the employer. A Tuberculosis (TB) test upon hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience in a licensed childcare, Head Start, or school nutrition environment.
• Current ServSafe or state-recognized Food Handler Certification.
• Familiarity with USDA CACFP meal patterns and documentation requirements.
• Prior experience using Child Plus or similar childcare management software for record-keeping.
• Experience preparing meals for infants and toddlers, including knowledge of food allergies and texture-modified diet.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word.

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