The position of Cook Assistant 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 program. This position will assist in ordering, preparing, serving and documentation of the meals and snacks. It includes following menus and all phases of kitchen operations including inventory control. The position contributes to smooth flow of operations in the assigned kitchen, and to the 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. The cook assistant may prepare foods for infants and toddlers and or preschool children following the USDA/CACFP and Head Start standards. 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.
- Application of clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job
- Organizes self and manages time to get things done.
- Requires supervision on operational matters related to specific tasks, and to review work progress/results
- Keeps Head Cook informed of important issues.
- Builds effective relationships within their workgroup and with children/families
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
- Prepares food to meet the needs of children with special needs, restricted diets, medical issues or disabilities; ensures that specifications are met in accordance to Save the Children policies, MS State Regulations, OHS and CACFP/USDA
- Prepares and serves food and assists in any food related activities as directed and menus as approved by registered dietician/nutritionist.
- Prepares and serves all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness
- Assists Head Cook with overseeing full kitchen operations and may supervise volunteer assistants (depending on size of workload)
- Assists with maintenance of inventory for food service operations
- Assists with the processing and storage of food and food related items as they are delivered
- Assists with ensuring that standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food and serving proportions are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements
- Assists with ensuring production books for CACFP and documents are completed accurately on a daily basis
- Attends child nutrition meetings and required program meetings.
- Receives, inspects and verifies delivery of food, food related items and all kitchen/food inventory in absence of Head cook.
- Implements 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
- Performs any other relevant duties as assigned by manager
- 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.