Head Start Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance

Position: Cook
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-time
Supervisor: Nutrition Services Manager
Schedule: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday, 220 Day Assignment Calendar
Job Status:    Pay depending on experience and qualifications

1. General Responsibilities:

It is the responsibility of all EOAC employees to support EOAC’s mission and goals, to respect the confidentiality of all who come to us for information or assistance, and to personally maintain the dignity and integrity of one who is placed in a position of public trust.  We all bear the responsibility of improving the organization, communicating openly and empowering each other to excel at our work and maintain confidentiality of client/agency information as required by State and Federal laws, appropriate regulations, and professional practice standards.

1. Minimum Qualifications:
   • Should have previous experience in a large-scale food production operation or two (2) years experience as a cook for groups of children and adults
   • Should have experience in maintaining records including the ability to maintain records on a computer system or willing to learn
   • Must possess a working knowledge of basic nutrition, good storage techniques, proper sanitation techniques and food preparation skills
   • Should have knowledge of basic math for quantity food preparation and food purchasing
   • Must have Adult and Pediatric CPR and First Aide certification
   • Must have food safety and sanitation training within 30 days from date of hire
   • Should have working knowledge of office communications systems: email, voice mail computer, and the ability to operate various office equipment; fax copier, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.
   • Must not have any prior convictions of child abuse/neglect
   • Must be able to continuously stand in kitchen area for most of work time
   • Must be able to regularly kneel, stoop, bend and twist
   • Regular crouching to retrieve items from lower shelves, regular reaching to retrieve utensils and food items from storage shelves and cupboards
   • Must be able to contend with frequent repetitive motion with hands in food preparation activities
   • Must possess current Food Handler’s Card and currently be enrolled in Child Care Division-Criminal History Registry
   • Must undergo successful drug and alcohol screening and successful physical examination and TB screen with negative reading
   • Must have reliable transportation
   • Must have the ability to lift in excess of 50 pounds

• Specific Responsibilities:

1. Performs all job responsibilities in a safe manner
2. Prepare creditable family-style meals and snacks for children, volunteers and adults eating with children at the site or parent/child functions using EOAC menu, menu planning sheets, standardized recipes and approved program recipes
3. Provide food for special meetings and events
4. Assist in developing menus and work with parents in the kitchen
5. Solicit volunteers for participation in program
6. Be a team player
7. Plans and completes routine cleaning and maintenance of kitchen and equipment
8. Maintain, complete, and submit CACFP nutrition records as required, including Monthly receipts for USDA reimbursement
9. Direct the preparation of meals each day that meet Head Start and USDA-CACFP nutrition requirements
10. Plan work schedule so that food production flow smoothly
11. Develop and follow standardize recipes and use portion control methods including weighing of meal components
12. Ensure that meals are prepared on schedule
13. Use initiative, judgment , and creativity in seasoning food, estimating amounts to be prepared, utilizing left overs, and preparing attractive food
14. Use food production and food storage procedures that are acceptable to the McLennan County Health Department
15. Take monthly food inventory and place order to Nutrition Manager for items needed
16. Purchase food and supplies according to planned menu.  Keep records of food purchases
17. Plan and complete routine cleaning and maintenance of kitchen and equipment
18. Help integrate the kitchen into Head Start/Early Head Start programs by participating in nutrition education activities
19. Maintain a cooperative working relationship with Head Start and Early Head Start parents and staff
20. Communicate and problem solve with Nutrition Manager
21. Maintain an orderly and clean kitchen at all times.  Clean and sanitize food preparation areas daily
22. Prepare daily mealtime setups
23. Work together with teachers to provide monthly nutrition experiences for children
24. Maintain and complete required documentation and records
25. Attend menu-planning meetings
26. Recruit, supervise and train kitchen volunteers
27. Follow step-by-step activities as outlined in content area plans and policies and procedures
28. Participate in professional development, sometimes off-site, at the request and support of the Nutrition Program Manager
29. Must be responsible and able to handle confidential materials, organize effectively, and work independently
30. Obtain and keep current Food safety and sanitation training certification
31. Maintain good personal appearance and hygiene
32. Communicate and problem solve with Site Supervisor and Nutrition Program Manager
33. Assure that a positive image of EOAC is portrayed at all times
34. Performs other duties as assigned