Cook/Custodian

Cook/Custodian

The Head Start Cook/Custodian is responsible for preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and a snack for the Head Start center. Meals are served daily and will meet all requirements and nutritional guidelines. Meals will be in adequate amounts and will be served only for children, staff, and guests at the Head Start center. The Cook/Custodian is responsible for the cleanliness of the kitchen, all areas used for food preparation, and overall cleanliness of the Head Start center.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Prepare and serve nourishing and attractive meals each day meeting all nutritional standards.
• Assist in the development of recipes and menus and follow these in the preparation of all meals.
• Maintain a sanitary environment, including the cleanliness of the kitchen supply rooms, kitchen equipment, and utensils.
• Provide and maintain a clean, sanitary, and healthful environment for the Head Start center and classrooms.
• Implement USDA, state, and local health regulations.
• Assist the center staff in planning and implementing methods for integrating the educational and nutritional components of the Head Start program.
• Perform weekly inventory of all perishables and monthly inventory of non-perishables, and cleaning supplies. Place orders from appropriate vendors, keeping within budget.
• Maintain necessary documentation concerning all purchases and submit all required reports.
• Be aware of children with special needs, including any food allergies, and individualize menus, when needed.
• Responsible for storage of cleaning supplies and materials.
• Assist with removal of trash and other debris from the center daily.
• Responsible for cleaning restrooms, classrooms, and kitchens.
• Work cooperatively with all other center staff to assist with maintaining a clean, healthy environment.
• Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read and understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures, including incidents involving other staff members, may result in termination.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to prepare a variety of attractive, well-balanced, nutritious meals in large quantity, within menu requirements.
• Knowledge of basic nutrition standards and applicable health regulations.
• Ability to keep food and other inventory records.
• Ability to follow written and oral directions.
• Attend all required training as directed by component specialists and area supervisor.
• Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency, and community.
• Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
• Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random drug testing.

Additional requirements include emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal communication skills and visual ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under pressure, including during emergencies.