Cook

About the role

The Cook plays 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 a registered dietitian/nutritionist.
  • These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
• Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Maintain 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 classrooms 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 the manager.

Requirements

• A high school diploma, plus at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• A demonstrated commitment to service to children.
• A proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements.
• A proven commitment to teamwork and customer service orientation.
• A proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• A proven ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
• Previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards is preferred.
• 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 professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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 relate sensitively with children.
• A proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
• A current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parent will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma, plus at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• A demonstrated commitment to service to children.
• A proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements.
• A proven commitment to teamwork and customer service orientation.
• A proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• A proven ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.
• Previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards is preferred.
• 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 professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• 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 relate sensitively with children.
• A proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
• A current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parent will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Benefits

No benefits listed.

Pay

The base pay for this position starts at $15/hour. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, experience, credentials, base salary of internal peers and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

Schedule

No schedule listed.