Substitute Cook PRN

About the Role

The Substitute Cook prepares and serves meals according to the planned schedule while maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment in the absence of the assigned Cook. This role ensures compliance with CACFP, Head Start Performance Standards, and all relevant regulations. Duties include meal prep, cooking, and adhering to food safety and sanitation guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals according to CACFP guidelines and proper food preparation methods
• Ensure adequate food portions for children and staff during scheduled mealtimes
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitized kitchen environment, including washing and storing dishes and utensils properly
• Assist in transporting and serving meals while following food safety regulations
• Dispose of leftovers and help manage fresh food inventory
• Follow all safety, sanitation, and child welfare policies, ensuring compliance with Head Start and regulatory standards
• Immediately report any child health or safety concerns to a supervisor and nutrition coordinator
• Follow CACFP regulations, maintain accurate CACFP documentation, and track food inventory
• Maintain working knowledge of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures required by city, state, and county health department regulations

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• One (1) year of food services or kitchen experience
• Current Food Handler's permit/certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in food services industry

Travel

This position may be required to travel up to 10%.

Physical Demands & Work Conditions

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time
• Position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children
• Position requires frequent standing, walking and time in units/cottages which are areas where children reside
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 25 lbs

The physical requirements for this position with or without reasonable accommodation are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. While performing this position the employee with or without reasonable accommodation should have the ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, speak, and hear with aid, see, read, reach with arms and hands, lift and/or move up to specified weight, and use equipment that is essential to performing the job, such as a computer, copier, fax machine, telephone, and automobile, if applicable. Specific vision requirements of this position may include color vision, seeing things close up, and the ability to adjust focus.