Childcare Center Chef - Phoenix, AZ

Since 1971, A New Leaf has faithfully worked in service to our mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives,” making a positive impact in the lives of more than 24,000 people each year in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.  Services focus on HEALTH, HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, offering a continuum of support to move households from crisis to long-term health and stability. A New Leaf continues to grow to respond to needs in our community by developing comprehensive, relevant and effective services for vulnerable and underserved families, children, and adults.

Join A New Leaf's Early Childhood Education Center as a Childcare Center Chef and help provide nutritious meals for children in a supportive and enriching environment. As a vital team member, you will plan, prepare, and serve meals and snacks that meet USDA guidelines while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen. Your role will also include managing food inventory, ensuring food safety compliance, and accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies.

We are looking for a passionate individual who values the well-being of children and thrives in a collaborative setting. Your work will directly support our mission to nurture healthy development and early learning experiences for children in our care.

Hourly Pay Rate: $18.00

Schedule: Monday – Friday; 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Phoenix, AZ

*Required to complete our "New Hire Orientation" held on the first work week of employment, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm at our HR Campus in Mesa; subject to change upon completion of orientation requirements which may grant early release of orientation before Friday; orientation not offered evenings or weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High School or GED required 

Experience:

• Experience as a cook or meal preparation with large groups  
• Demonstrate knowledge of nutritional needs and practices of young children preferred 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES: Responsibilities will include but not limited to: 

• Set up, stock and organize kitchen each day.  Prepare and turn on grill, ovens, fryers, steam tables, and ensures proper cooking temperatures are reached. 
• Knows all food items requirements: Identify all produce, meat, cheese, sauces and breaded items.  Identify rotation needs. Knows cooking times for all items to ensure correct doneness is achieved as ordered. 
• Assist with menu planning and weekly food ordering. 
• Performs duties which require bending, lifting, reaching and turning.  Transports food items on trays and in containers – weighing up to 30 pounds. 
• Cleaning dishes, ovens, steamers, hoods, filter and other equipment, cleaning floors, organizing and cleaning storeroom, plus food production duties. 
• Understands and uses safety procedures when cooking and using all equipment and cleaning compounds.  Understanding chemical hazards and uses chemical and cleaning products correctly by reading and following the cleaning product instructions. 
• Knows correct temperature for washing, rinsing, and pre-soaking of all pots, pans, utensils, plates, and glasses.  Identify problems and making adjustments. 
• Maintain current inventory of food and equipment.  Prepare weekly healthy menus, and food purchasing list. 
• Provide daily maintenance of refrigerators and freezers, including cleaning and checking the thermometer. 
• Use portion control practices to support teaching staff implementing family style service in the classroom. 
• Prepare meals and snacks daily to meet dietary needs of children and make adjustment for special needs.   

Compliance:   

• Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card 
• Manager’s Food Handlers Card 
• Must Be at Least 21 Years of Age 

We appreciate your interest in our organization. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status. A New Leaf is an at-will employer. Any offer of employment with A New Leaf is contingent upon a successful consumer report to include verification of employment, education, criminal background search and driving records. A New Leaf is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify program. A New Leaf participates in el program de E-Verify. Equal Opportunity Employer. BENEFITS PACKAGE: All of our employees enjoy the following benefits: direct deposit, competitive pay, accrued sick time, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual team member appreciation event, informal, yet professional team environment. For full time employees, we also provide the following included in the total compensation plan: Health/Dental/Vision Coverage, Accrued Sick and Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, AD&D, Short Term Disability, 401(K), Tuition Reimbursement, and a Wellness Program which has received a Silver Level of excellence in worksite wellness by providing employees with Annual Biometrics, Gym Reimbursements, Wellness Initiatives, Workers Compensation improvements, and much more!