Cook

About the role

The Cook is a critical role within a large system of services provided to children and families. A strong food service program is important to supporting the goals of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve food and assist in any food related activities as directed and menus as approved by registered dietitian/nutritionist.
• Make accommodations for special dietary needs.
• Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated on-line systems.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Oversee maintenance of inventory for all necessary supplies, food and equipment used for food services operations.
• Oversee the processing and storage of food and food related items as they are delivered.
• Safely operate, clean and maintain utensils and equipment used in an institutional kitchen.
• Adhere to and ensure sanitation requirements are met when storing, handling and preparing food.
• Oversee full kitchen operations and may supervise additional staff or volunteer assistance (depending on size and scope of workload).
• Implement a cost effective food service program according to federal, state and local regulations that is a financially successful operation by helping to control food and labor costs.
• Ensure that standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements.
• Prepare and serve all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness.
• Distribute and post weekly menu.
• Deliver food to classroom and other Centers, where applicable.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Apply clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job.
• Organize self and manage time to get things done.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Build effective relationships within their workgroup and with children/families.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by manager.

Requirements

• A high school diploma, plus at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• A demonstrated commitment to service to children.
• Proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements.
• A proven commitment to team work and customer service orientation.
• A proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• A proven ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.

Qualifications

• A previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards is preferred.
• A previous experience working with CACFP is preferred.
• A certification in ServSafe is preferred.
• Bilingual is preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area).
• A proven ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels—whether internal or external—in the provision of high quality services to children and families.
• A proven ability to follow established and communicated directions and take initiative.
• A proven knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• A proven ability to relate sensitively with children.
• A proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
• Must participate in professional development training including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

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, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping.
• This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
• Clear pre-employment background check requirements, including 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.