Head Start Cook

About the Role

Plan and prepare meals for program children in accordance with CACFP and Program guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Order and/or purchase all food from designated vendors according to the budget.
• Prepare breakfasts, lunches, and/or snacks that meet CACFP and Program guidelines.
• Ensure children’s nutritional needs are met, including allergy restrictions.
• Ensure that safety, sanitation, and health standards are met in the kitchen and eating areas.
• Coordinate routine cleaning and maintenance schedules for kitchen.
• Verify vendor orders and reconcile invoices with billing statements, ensuring accuracy in deliveries and quantities.
• Maintain food-purchase invoices and send originals to Accounts Payable.
• Keep required CACFP records.
• Submit appropriate records and reports to the Center Manager.
• Attend monthly or bi-monthly meetings and/or trainings as requested by supervisor.
• Prepare food for special events.
• Responsible for menu distribution to families and staff.
• Arrive to work on time; punctually attend and actively participate in all required activities, meetings, and trainings.
• Be a respectful, cooperative, and reliable team member and participant in program activities.
• Project a professional work image, both in dress and manner.
• Be familiar with, and adhere to, position-related policies and procedures as well as the program’s overarching objectives.
• Work on weekends or evenings as needed.
• Perform all work in compliance with the Clackamas County Children’s Commission Code of Conduct.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of information regarding enrolled children and families, personnel issues, and other program operations as appropriate.
• In consultation with supervisor, develop professional work goals and training plan. Participate in training as requested.

Requirements

• U.S. High School Diploma/GED or Equivalent.
• Minimum one-year experience in food preparation, budgeting, and nutrition for young children.
• Knowledge of Head Start program is preferable.

Skills

• Ability to positively interact with families of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle available for use on the job (or have alternative transportation).
• Ability to possess and maintain compliance with State of Oregon Criminal Background Registry.
• Ability to possess and maintain current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to possess and maintain a valid Oregon Food Handler’s Card.

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing, bending, and walking.
• Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent cutting, mixing, and stirring.