Cook - Hiring 2 positions - (1) Temporary Position w/Flexible End Date - (1) Full-Time DOM (Zapata C

Company: AVANCE, Inc.
Location: Rio Grande City
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Job Overview The temporary Cook is responsible for the implementation of food services in a Head Start program, serving children ages 3-5. Responsibilities include preparing attractive, USDA-approved meals; keeping the kitchen clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; and maintaining adequate food stocks, kitchen supplies, and food service records. Job Responsibilities Child Growth and Development Support the social and emotional development of children. Plan and participate in nutritious cooking activities with children. Prepare assigned menu and participate in family-style meals with children, volunteers, and staff Maintain list and be aware of center food allergies and concerns. Prepare alternate menu items as needed for the affected children Communication and Service Coordination Work in conjunction with the Site Supervisor and Faculty to monitor family style dining in classrooms and document as appropriate. Assist in delivery of food to classrooms and of dirty dishes from the classroom. Check food deliveries for accuracy and for good quality. Notify Headquarters when an item is missing or of poor quality. Participates in assigned meetings, events and training as required Record Keeping and Reporting Maintain food service record-keeping and reporting as directed by the supervisor. Complete weekly food and supplies order sheets and fax to Headquarters. Ongoing Monitoring/Self-assessment Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures. Monitor and maintain proper temperatures of all refrigerator and freezers Planning and Implementation Prepares nutritious meals that take into consideration children’s various cultures and individual nutritional needs. Understands and uses child nutritional needs and age-specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA, Head Start, and CACFP guidelines. Follows menu guidelines and adjusts when necessary due to the availability of menu items or an individual child’s needs. Conduct weekly inventory of food and supplies. Store food and supplies properly. Date all canned, boxed and bagged foods. Use the FIFO method of inventory. Maintain appropriate cleanliness of all kitchen materials and supplies as required. Establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and positive learning environment Understands and strictly adheres to health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during and after meal preparation. Support the social and emotional development of children. No related duties listed. Other Duties Performs any and all other duties as assigned. AVANCE Core Competencies Execution & Accountability Problem Solving & Decision-Making Communication & Influence Collaboration & Teamwork Stakeholder Focus Adaptability & Continuous Learning Requirements: Education Required: N/A License/Certifications Required: N/A Work Experience Required: Experience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groups. Knowledge of early childhood nutrition Physical exam and background checks are required for this position. Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions. Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Additional Skills Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; demonstrated flexibility to handle multiple priorities. Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Must be honest, dependable and able to meet deadlines. Self-motivated and able to work independently. Travel Ability to travel to various sites: Dependable transportation is required daily with a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record (subject to annual MVR (Motor Vehicle Report) check and policy), current auto liability insurance and be bondable by AVANCE, Inc. Travel required up to 10% of the time for work-related site visits, meetings, and functions. Equipment Standard office equipment generally used includes: Telephone Personal Computer (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) or Tablet Printer/Photocopy Machine Calculator Fax Machine Working Conditions Work is generally performed in an office environment. Noise level in the work environment is moderate to occasionally loud (examples: business office with computers and printers, light to moderate traffic, human voices). May be required to operate a motor vehicle during the course of duties. Mental and Physical Demands Maintain emotional control under stress; work with interruptions and deadlines; walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; occasional: lifting/carrying, pulling/pushing 50 pounds.?Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Environmental Factors Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.). Occasional expose to weather related conditions when working in outside environment /neighborhoods and events. ADA/ADAAA Statement AVANCE is committed to equal opportunity in employment for persons with disabilities and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and any other applicable state and federal laws. Accordingly, AVANCE does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in regard to application, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment. Moreover, it is AVANCE’s policy to provide reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of AVANCE’s business or would change the essential functions of the position. Retaliation against an individual with a disability for utilizing this policy or seeking a reasonable accommodation is prohibited. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department.

Keywords: AVANCE, Inc., Brownsville , Cook - Hiring 2 positions - (1) Temporary Position w/Flexible End Date - (1) Full-Time DOM (Zapata C, Hospitality & Tourism , Rio Grande City, Texas