Early Head Start Cook, Hartford City

Job Summary

A successful Program Cook provides safe, nutritious meals while creating a welcoming kitchen environment. They are organized, dependable, and understand that healthy meals support children's growth, learning, and overall well-being. As an EHS Cook in Hartford City, you’ll spend your days:

• Modifying menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.
• Preparing meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
• Planning and preparing all menus according to season and in advance of the beginning of the season for breakfast, lunch, and snack for Center-Based classrooms in accordance with state, federal and CACFP guidelines, and obtain dietician approval.
• Planning meals and menus to use food on hand and prepared grocery lists in order to make efficient and cost-effective use of food supplies.
• Purchasing milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other items on a weekly basis in cost-effective manner, according to “use-by,” spoilage, and nutrition needs.
• Providing meals for children using family-style serving techniques.
• Providing foods to enhance lesson plans and classroom activities as requested.
• Preparing meals for parent group meetings or other events as requested.
• Maintaining a cold meal menu and necessary supplies on hand in case of an emergency situation.
• Completing all appropriate paperwork, documentation, and temperature readings in a timely manner.
• Cooking, baking, and following written and verbal directions in order to produce healthy and appetizing meals.
• Conducting routine kitchen and food storage inspection regarding health, safety, and compliance.
• Maintaining accurate and accessible special dietary needs and allergy records for all children in Center-Based program.
• Transporting either hot meal each class day, as needed, to the other preschool site.

Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, adequate automobile insurance, and meet agency insurability requirements;
• Must be willing to pursue additional education, as required by State and Federal standards and regulations.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have Serve Safe Certification or being willing to obtain;
• Must be willing to pursue additional education as required by ongoing program needs;
• Must be highly organized, detail oriented, and able to communicate both verbally and in writing;
• Must be able to cook, bake, and follow written and verbal directions in order to produce healthy and appetizing meals.
• Computer use and experience is desirable;
• Must possess the following qualities: adaptability and flexibility, teamwork, communication (written and oral), initiative, planning and organization, problem solving.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, bend, stoop or stand for extended periods;
• Must be able to pick-up, hold, and move 40+ lbs.

Safety and Compliance

• Must be able to follow all required safe and universal precaution practices during a pandemic and as required otherwise;
• As required by specific job requirements must know first aid, health & safety measures or build an acceptable competence level by post-hire training.

Company Information

Carey Services, Inc is an EOE/AAP Employer. Veterans, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply!