Head Start Cook

Head Start Cook

Head Start Cook hours range up to 40 per week. $18.00 to $19.50/hr.

Friends of Children and Families is a non-profit organization serving Ada and Elmore Counties specializing in services to pre-school children and their families. As a mission-based organization our employees positively impact children and families in our community by empowering them through early childhood education and family engagement. Benefits provided –

• Low cost medical and vision insurance
• Free dental, short term disability, employee assistant program, and life insurance
• Matching 4% for a 401K after one year of employment
• Paid sick, personal, and bereavement leave
• Generous paid time off
• As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, Friends of Children and Families is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) program.

Job Summary

Prepares nutritious meals for Friends of Children and Families (FOCAF) Head Start participants in accordance with Head Start, District Health Department and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Prepares meals for FOCAF participants following menus prepared by the Health and Safety Manager and in compliance with health and safety regulations issued by Head Start, District Health Department and the USDA.
• Makes menu modifications needed to reflect availability of food and supplies.
• Maintains sanitary conditions in the kitchen, food storage and transportation carts.
• Conducts meal count for each meal and complies information on Ipad and HealthePro.
• Compiles daily, weekly and/or monthly reports on number of prepared and served meals.
• Ensures dietary reports are up to date.
• Teams with the Cook's Assistant and center staff to provide nutrition information to program participants, families, and staff.
• Assures the kitchen facilities are maintained in a clean, orderly and sanitary condition, meeting all health regulations regarding food preparation and handling.
• Assures that special diet needs of identified children are met and that foods provoking allergies are not served to those children with special eating needs. Runs dietary reports from ChildPlus on a weekly basis.
• Keeps immediate supervisor, and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Responds to questions and concerns in a courteous and timely manner.
• Safely transports food, kitchen supplies, and other related food service materials to and from FOCAF centers and program by use of personnel vehicle or FOCAF vehicle when available.
• Remains current on the principles, practices and new developments within assigned work area.
• Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to employees in any class of position.
• Uses critical thinking skills when determining safety and creating safe environment for self, co- workers and children.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and FOCAF, Central District Health, and USDA policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Operates several kitchen appliances (e.g., food processor, dishwasher, can opener, stove, mixer).
• Trains and directs the activities of assigned staff.
• Demonstrates commitment for professional development and continuous growth by actively seeking out and participating in training opportunities.
• Engages with supervisor and co-workers on constructive and timely feedback, accepting feedback as a growth opportunity, and is open to continuous improvement for oneself and the organization.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; and
• One year cooking experience in an institutional kitchen.
• Must pass a Health Physical Screen and TB test; must be able to lift 45 pounds.
• Must pass an enhanced criminal background check that meets required state, federal, and FOCAF Head Start standards.
• Must pass drug test and submit to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
• Must obtain a ServSafe Food Handlers certification within 90 days of hire and maintain the certification while in the position.