Assistant Cook

Employee Type: Full-Time Regular or Part-Time Regular · Supervisor: Manager, Nutrition or Cook · Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs

About the role

The Assistant Cook/Food Transporter assists in ordering, preparing, serving, and documenting meals and snacks for children in the Head Start and/or Early Head Start program, following menus and all phases of kitchen operations including inventory control. The role contributes to smooth kitchen operations, adherence to health and food safety codes, and strict cleanliness of kitchen, food service, and storage areas. Meals are prepared for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children following USDA/CACFP and Head Start standards. The position may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as needed for program operations. Responsibilities include safely transporting meals to satellite sites, maintaining food temperatures during delivery, conducting daily vehicle inspections, and ensuring health and safety standards during all deliveries. As a front-line representative of Save the Children, the incumbent ensures the safety and security of children and families and embodies the agency values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Responsibilities

• Prepare food to meet the needs of children with special needs, restricted diets, medical issues, or disabilities; ensure specifications meet Save the Children policies, State Regulations, OHS, and CACFP/USDA
• Prepare and serve food and assist in food-related activities as directed and per menus approved by a registered dietician/nutritionist
• Prepare and serve all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness
• Assist Head Cook with overseeing full kitchen operations and may supervise volunteer assistants (depending on workload)
• Assist with maintenance of inventory for food service operations
• Assist with processing and storage of food and food-related items as delivered
• Ensure standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities and serving proportions are prepared and served per CACFP meal requirements
• Ensure production books for CACFP and documents are completed accurately daily
• Attend child nutrition meetings and required program meetings
• Receive, inspect, and verify delivery of food, food-related items, and all kitchen/food inventory in absence of Head Cook
• Implement a cost-effective food service program per federal, state, and local regulations; help control food and labor costs
• Deliver meals to satellite Head Start Program sites
• Keep in close contact with the site office while in the field
• Conduct pre- and post-inspections of vehicle daily
• Ensure health and safety standards are followed during all deliveries (to/from vehicle and to/from classrooms); maintain and monitor food temperatures before and after deliveries
• Report all accidents or incidents to supervisor immediately
• Provide a clean and safe environment inside and outside the transporter vehicle
• Maintain and follow delivery schedule as set by program management
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by manager

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus at least two (2) years of related experience
• Demonstrated experience working in a food service environment
• Proven teamwork and successful customer service orientation
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
• Demonstrated organizational skills, self-management of time, and overall cleanliness
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels, both internal and external
• Demonstrated ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Valid driver's license
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements
• General bookkeeping skills
• Previous experience meeting Health Department Regulations, USDA, and Head Start Standards
• Previous experience working with CACFP
• Certification in SERV Safe

Additional Qualifications

• Physical Requirements: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5–10 pounds constantly; activities include sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding, and computer use
• Clear pre-employment background check: local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations), and pass all state and local health requirements required post job offer and prior to employment
• Must operate a motor vehicle to fulfill essential functions; maintain a valid driver's license and comply with Save the Children policies on safe vehicle operation
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified

Pay

The base pay for this position starts at $15/hour. Actual base salary may vary based upon experience, credentials, base salary of internal peers, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

Benefits

• Paid time off: 10 days winter break, 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year
• Health: Competitive health care, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family
• Employer-paid short-term disability and long-term disability benefits
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Option to select HSA if enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan with company matching a portion of contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Health care and dependent care options
• Life: Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) benefits
• Family: Parental/adoption and fertility benefits
• Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees
• Retirement: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)
• Wellness: Health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events
• Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services
• Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities, mentorships, certification and tuition assistance