The Cook position is one role in 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. This position is responsible for the ordering, preparing, serving and documentation of meals and snacks served to children. It includes following menus and all phases of kitchen operations including inventory control.
The position contributes to the smooth operations and functioning of the kitchen in adherence to health and food safety codes and the strict cleanliness of the kitchen and food service and storage areas. Cooks will prepare foods for infants and toddlers and/or preschool children following the USDA/CACFP standards. The position may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.
As a front line representative of Save the Children the position holder is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that, he/she comes in contact with and represents the agency values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.
- Prepare and serve food and assist in any food related activities as directed and menus as approved by registered dietitian/nutritionist. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
- 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.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a food service environment
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Commitment to service to children and relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements
- Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents and families.
- Strong team work and customer service orientation
- Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with children and staff
- Strong teamwork orientation and organizational skills
- To pass criminal background check including fingerprinting prior to first day of work
- Knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children and infants/toddlers
- Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start Program
- Knowledge of local resources, customs and languages helpful
- Ability to follow directions and take initiative
- Ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential
- General bookkeeping skills are a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards is preferred
- Previous experience working with CACFP is preferred
- Certification in ServSafe is preferred
- Bilingual is preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area)
- Aetna Medical and Dental insurance with a concierge service
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Holidays
What makes us special!
- Generous Retirement Savings with matching company contributions
- Pet Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Identity Protection, Home, Auto and additional Life insurances
- Leadership and Employee Development Training, including:
- Our remarkable in-house CORE, Senior Management Development, and Leadership Development Programs
- Language learning opportunities
- Continuous Improvement skill development programs
- Brown Bag information sharing sessions