Kitchen Aide - Pagosa Springs Head Start

Pagosa Springs, CO

Full Time

Entry Level

Kitchen Aide

Are you looking for meaningful work where you can make a difference in the lives of children and families? Join a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive.

At Tri-County Head Start, our employees are at the heart of the services we provide. We invest in your growth through training, professional development, and opportunities for advancement. You will build valuable skills, support your community, and enjoy a schedule with no nights or weekends.

Position Information

Location: Pagosa Springs Head Start
Schedule: Full-time, part-year-9 months; 30 hours per week
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:45am– 2:00pm, Friday 7:45am - 11:45am.
Pay: $17.75–$18.53 per hour, depending on education and experience

Benefits

Eligible employees may receive:

Paid professional development and training
Paid sick and personal leave
More than three weeks of scheduled paid breaks and holidays
Health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible full-time employees
Access to a 403(b) retirement savings plan
Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
A family-friendly schedule with no nights or weekends

Position Summary

The Kitchen Aide supports the daily operation of the Head Start kitchen by assisting with food preparation, meal service, sanitation, dishwashing, inventory, and required food service documentation. This position helps ensure that meals and snacks are prepared and delivered safely, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable nutrition and food safety requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist with the preparation, portioning, and delivery of meals and snacks.
Prepare and deliver meal carts to classrooms according to the daily schedule.
Wash and sanitize dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment, carts, and food preparation surfaces.
Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and sanitary kitchen and food storage area.
Follow Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements and applicable food safety and sanitation procedures.
Assist with food service records, meal counts, inventory, temperature logs, and other required documentation.
Receive, store, rotate, and organize food and kitchen supplies.
Follow proper procedures for food handling, storage, allergen management, and prevention of cross-contamination.
Support internal and external kitchen inspections, including inspections conducted by Public Health and CACFP.
Report equipment concerns, supply needs, safety hazards, and food service issues to the supervisor.
Follow all TCHS health, safety, confidentiality, and workplace requirements.
Participate in required training, staff meetings, and professional development.
Perform other related kitchen and food service duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to obtain and maintain a food handler certification within 30 days of hire or as soon as training is available.
Ability to follow written menus, recipes, food safety procedures, and documentation requirements.
Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift, carry, push, or move food, supplies, dishes, and meal carts.
Ability to complete required background checks and health-related employment requirements.
Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with coworkers, children, families, and community partners.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in food service, school nutrition, child care food service, or a commercial kitchen.
Current food handler certification.
Experience following CACFP, school meal, or other regulated food service requirements.

Tri-County Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online at tchs4c.org/careers

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Background Check Requirement Notice

Durango 4-C Council/Tri-County Head Start is an equal opportunity employer and is required per Head Start Performance Standards 45 CFR 1302.90 and Colorado State Childcare Licensing to conduct a comprehensive background check that includes but is not limited to: 1) criminal history with a national electronic check, 2) sex offender registry check, 3) child abuse and neglect state registry check, and 4) criminal history with a fingerprint check (FBI/CBI/state/tribal). We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. TCHS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to federal and state regulations. Background checks will be completed following the extension of a conditional offer of employment, and adverse findings will require an individual assessment for consideration in relation to the safety and well-being of the children we serve. Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with TCHS policy, pursuant to childcare care regulations?*

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I understand that this application or subsequent employment does not create a contract of employment nor guarantee employment for any definite period of time. If employed, I understand that I have been hired at-will according to Colorado state law, and my employment may be terminated by Durango 4-C Council, Inc/Tri-County Head Start or by myself at any time, with or without cause or with or without prior notice.

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Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications. Durango 4C Council/Tri-County Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer.