Cook (Part-time)

The City of La Habra, nestled at the northernmost corner of Orange County, California, is a vibrant community spanning 7.3 square miles with a population of nearly 62,000 residents. Known as a serene bedroom community, La Habra offers convenient access to a variety of natural recreational areas including beaches, mountains, and deserts, each within an hour's drive. The city proudly hosts cultural events such as the popular Tamale Festival, Corn Festival, Citrus Fair, and supports educational and artistic enrichment through venues like the Children’s Museum and Depot Theatre. This dynamic blend of community spirit and cultural engagement describes La Habra as a welcoming and active place for families and individuals alike. The City of La Habra’s Child Development Division is dedicated to fostering the growth and well-being of children through high-quality child care programs. They operate with a mission that emphasizes individuality, creativity, and the provision of a safe, nurturing environment. Their educational philosophy is deeply rooted in developmental theories proposed by renowned scholars such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Dewey, and Erickson, encouraging a play-based curriculum that promotes curiosity, resourcefulness, persistence, problem-solving, and creativity among children. The program staff recognizes that each child brings a unique cultural, linguistic, and developmental background, and they strive to accommodate these differences through inclusive practices. Currently, the Child Development Division is seeking a part-time Cook to join their team. This position plays a vital role in meal planning and preparation, ensuring that the nutritional needs of children enrolled in the city’s child care programs are met. The Cook is responsible for preparing breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks in compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, maintaining food safety and cleanliness standards, and managing inventory and supply orders. This role requires approximately 25 to 28 hours of work per week, Monday through Friday, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking part-time employment with meaningful impact. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Program Specialist and Lead Teacher, ensuring efficient kitchen operations and adherence to all health and safety regulations. Duties include cycle menu implementation, food preparation in proper portions and combinations, and minimizing food waste through effective inventory control. The Cook must also keep accurate records for CACFP audits, manage allergy information confidentially, and maintain kitchen cleanliness to ensure a safe and sanitary food preparation environment. In addition to technical skills, the role demands physical stamina, as typical kitchen duties involve standing for long periods, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Mental agility is equally important to interpret and execute instructions accurately and make sound decisions related to meal preparation and kitchen management. The position requires compliance with health screenings and immunizations to ensure the safety of the children and staff. Joining the City of La Habra Child Development Division as a part-time Cook means becoming part of a team that values the development and well-being of children. The role is especially suited for those who have a passion for cooking, nutrition, and children's welfare, and who wish to contribute meaningfully to their community through dedicated service. Beyond merely preparing meals, this position supports the developmental philosophy that sustains the program’s success, making a positive difference in children's lives each day.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• experience in cooking and meal preparation for children
• knowledge of Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines
• ability to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment
• strong organizational and record-keeping skills
• ability to follow oral and written instructions
• good communication skills
• physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• must pass a pre-employment physical including tuberculosis test and required immunizations
• willingness to perform assigned disaster service worker duties