Substitute Cook Aide-Head Start

Substitute Cook Aide-Head Start

This position will work as a part for the Yakama Nation Head Start food service program. The position is responsible for assisting in the preparation, cooking, and serving of meals in a preschool setting. Work involves assisting the cook in preparation, cooking, and serving of meals. The position also assists in taking inventory of food supply and shopping for replacement items. The position assists in the duties related to the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), including meal counts and reports. The position also assists in nutritional activities conducted on and off site. After the routine is learned, Cook Aide will perform work with independence under the direction of the Food Service Manager.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Participates in training and staff development.
• Assists in the planning, preparation, and implementation of appropriate meal plans in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program (USDA) requirements, Head Start Performance Standards, and applicable guidelines.
• Assists in the preparation breakfast, lunch, and snacks for children, families, and staff.
• Utilizes a variety of kitchen utensils and equipment, such as blenders, mixers, grinders, pots, pans, knives, and related materials.
• Ensures proper health and sanitary maintenance.
• Assists in the ordering and receiving of food orders.
• Assists in shopping for food items and supplies to replenish stock.
• Fills and refills food related containers, such as sugar bowls, salt and pepper shakers and napkin holders.
• Mixes sandwich spreads, prepares sandwiches and assembles sack lunches, opens and warms canned vegetables, cuts and peels fruits and vegetables, prepares salads and desserts.
• Assists in inventory of kitchen material, supplies, and equipment.
• Assists with the cleaning and sanitation of the kitchen and kitchen items such as pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and other kitchen items such as shelves, cabinets, refrigerators, etc.
• Deliver food, utensils, and cleaning materials to classrooms.
• Communicate positive eating and food habits to children, families, and staff.
• Assists with distribution of food menus.
• Reads and follows food menus.
• Ensures the Center meets all applicable health and safety standards.
• Assists with other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards (45 CFR 1300s).
• Knowledge of Yakama Nation Personnel Policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Nation culture and language.
• Knowledge of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
• Knowledge of methods and practices of food preparation and services.
• Knowledge how to operate a stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, blenders, mixers, grinders, can openers, pots, pans, and knives
• Ability to learn the methods and practices of food preparation and service.
• Ability to read, write, and follow general instructions.
• Ability to learn to perform a variety of general food preparation functions.
• Ability to always follow lines of authority.
• Ability to maintain standards of professionalism in dress, appearance, attitude and presentation at all times.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and adults.
• Ability to lift up to a maximum of 70 pounds.
• Ability to maintain standards of confidentiality and work ethic.

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience in institutional, commercial, or educational food setting.
• Must have experience working with young children.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Required to pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Tribal Driver Permit with Defensive Driving Course certificate (to be updated every 2 years).
• Must have current First Aid/CPR card or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain certification.
• Must have current Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire and maintain certification.
• Must be able to maintain confidential information.
• Must follow Yakama Nation and YN Head Start Code of Conduct.

Preferred Requirements:

• Preference will be given to past/present Head Start parents who meet the qualifications.
• Enrolled Yakama preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.