Program Aide

Head Start Food Service Worker

Catholic Charities Community Services is currently seeking an individual with some knowledge of food service who has a polite and gentle classroom presence to work in our Head Start program providing meals and assistance to our staff and children.

Job Summary: Supports instructional staff and classroom operations with a primary responsibility for food preparation, as well as storage of products and supplies associated with meal service. Other responsibilities include custodial duties, inventory control, and documentation and record-keeping. Assignment will determine 10-month (part-year) status.

Essential Duties:

• Verify receipt of menu items and document menu substitutions and sign documentation for meals delivered.
• Responsible for all facets of meal and snack preparation and clean up complying with all county environmental safety regulations for food handlers and the Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) including end of month paperwork.
• Label and date all open food products and monitor all food storage equipment and record refrigerator and freezer temperatures on equipment temperature log.
• Ensure all food items are kept at correct temperatures and are not expired.
• Communicate with children in the classroom and provide feedback to the Teacher about the interactions.
• Assist in sanitizing and preparing tables for meal service and supervising children in setting the table.
• Follow proper mixing instructions for all chemicals and store all chemicals out of children's reach
• Use approved methods to clean and sanitize, vacuuming, sweeping, wet mopping in classroom, restroom, sink and kitchen areas on a scheduled basis.
• Remove trash/garbage on scheduled basis or as needed.
• Ensure sufficient quantity of cleaning supplies through monthly inventory and notification to teacher of supply needs.
• Support daily health and safety monitoring of both classroom and outdoor playground areas.
• Support and assist instructional staff in the completion of one-on-one developmental and social/emotional screenings within 45 days of a child's enrollment and documentation of health information.
• Comply with mandatory reporting mandates for any suspected child abuse/neglect issues as required by law.
• Support and assist with the execution of classroom and site emergency plan including monthly fire drills.
• Participates in staff development activities including in-service, training sessions, and meetings as required.
• As program needs dictate, may be called upon to fill in as a substitute in another classroom or at another site to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to children and families.
• Promote an ongoing commitment to excellence and continual improvement to ensure the delivery of high quality services to our clients and staff.
• Other duties as assigned

Other Related Duties:

• This position may require flexibility in scheduling to attend and actively participate in evening and weekend events, including but not limited to parent meetings, family engagement activities, community outreach events, trainings, recruitment efforts, program celebrations, and other agency-sponsored functions as assigned.
• Prepares, and attends all meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.
• Maintains self and functional work environment.
• Performs other tasks as may be required for the efficient comprehensive, integrated program.

Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to establish, maintain and operate on a time schedule.
• Legible handwriting and ability to read/understand written instructions.
• Safely use cleaning equipment, tools and supplies.
• Positive and caring attitude, initiative, and good judgment; adaptable and flexible with program changes.
• Comprehension of fundamental math and ability to perform basic calculations.
• Develop knowledge and demonstrate understanding of Head Start policies and procedures and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages birth to five.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences within the program, community and agency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word and Outlook).

Qualifications:

Education/Background:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• A minimum of six (6) months of general child care, food preparation, and/or education experience is preferred
• Second language (Spanish or other program-approved language) proficiency preferred.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work with preschool age (one – five) children and their family members and/or caregivers in a fast paced environment with moderate interruptions.
• Must be able to visually and auditorily assess and interact with children and family members to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Must be able to stoop, bend, squat, assist children to the bathroom, sit on floor and ambulate over uneven floor surfaces including stairs, steps and playgrounds.
• May be in contact with communicable diseases.
• May need to lift up to 40 pounds.

Credentials, Licenses, and Certifications:

• Meets Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) requirements for licensure
• Possesses or acquires, and maintains, Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance
• Provides tuberculosis self-screening form annually. May also be required to follow recommendations for further tuberculosis testing, as applicable
• Meets federal Head Start employment requirements including physical examination at hire
• Possesses or acquires, and maintains, valid Maricopa County Environmental Services Food Service Worker Certificate or the Manager Certification ***Please note this position is assigned a classroom and employee is not required to drive on behalf of the agency.

Great Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Basic Life, Short-Term Disability, Vacation, Sick Time, 13 Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 403(b) with a match, EAP and a Pension Plan!

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Respect

Integrity

Accountability

Commitment

Quality