The position of Cook is responsible for the ordering, preparing, serving, and documentation of meals and snacks. It includes assuring suggested menus are being followed and maintaining/assisting with maintaining cleanliness and organization 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. local statues and under the governance of the Head Start program. The Cook serves and prepares foods for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children following the USDA/CACFP standards. The cook may be reassigned to various kitchens/centers as deemed necessary for program operation.
As a front line representative of Save the Children, the Cook is required to ensure the safety and security of Head Start children and families that he/she comes in contact with adhering to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.
As a Save the Children employee who will come into contact with children on a routine basis, you are expected to prevent child abuse in every situation by striving, through mental awareness, good practice and training to minimize risk to children. You must take positive steps to protect children who may be a subject of concern and report and respond to any instance of child abuse and promote training and awareness around all child safeguarding obligations.
- Prepares work plan, follow-up implementation, submit regular reports and train program staff on CACFP standards and procedures to ensure full compliance.
- Works in conjunction with the registered dietitian/nutritionist in preparing approved menus.
- Oversees the maintenance of inventory and all supplies of food and equipment used for food services operations.
- Accepts and handles the delivery and storage of food and food related items.
- Oversees full kitchen operations and may supervise additional staff or volunteer assistance (depending on size and scope of workload).
- Following the federal, state, and local regulations to cost effectively produce a food service program that is financially viable to the success and operation of the food service program.
- Ensures that standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements
- Prepares and serves all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness.
- Performs any other relevant duties as assigned by manager. Perform other duties as may be assigned.
- One year work experience in a nutrition or food service position that directly relates to the provision and management of Health and Family services for young children and their families following the Head Start Health program procedures, policies and standards.
- Basic Microsoft office software capabilities.
- General knowledge of program management, planning, reporting, budgeting, administration, purchasing systems management, supervision/personnel management, and public relations.
- Knowledge of facilities, transportation, technology and food service management.
- Ability to supervise staff and manage a multifaceted program, multi-task, work independently and as part of a team, and exercise professional judgment.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, children, families, and outside agencies.
- Effective communication, problem solving, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to perform medium to heave physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding and computer use.
- Acceptable tuberculosis screening results, a clear criminal records check (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and an initial health exam are required post job offer and prior to employment.
- To drive agency vehicles (if applicable), must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Save the Children Head Start insurance carrier and have a Motor Vehicle Record acceptable to Save the Children Head Start. Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.