Headstart Assistant Cook

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Family Forum, Inc. is looking for a team-oriented and energetic Cook Assistant to join our Early Head Start/Head Start team.

In this role, you will help provide nutritious, family-style meals that fuel the growth and development of the children in our care. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen environment and making a direct impact on child wellness, we want to hear from you!

Status: Non-Exempt / Hourly.

Annual Term: This is a 10-month recurring position that follows the program year, primarily running from September through June . ( Normal schedule)

Anticipated Start Date: Early June (Training will be from June-August)

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday; presence is required during all business hours.

Our Mission & Values

Every member of our team is dedicated to the following agency-wide standards:

• Commitment to Mission: All staff are deeply dedicated to the goals and philosophy of Family Forum, Inc.
• Healthy Foundations: We prepare nutritious meals using limited fats, sugars, and salt to promote lifelong healthy habits.
• Culture of Safety: We ensure the health and safety of children at all times and strictly follow all agency procedures and reporting requirements.
• Positive Environment: We exhibit a cheerful, friendly demeanor and work cooperatively to maintain a supportive atmosphere for staff and families alike.

• Nutritional Support: Assist the cook in preparing family-style meals using cycle menus that meet all CACFP requirements.
• Service & Interaction: Deliver and serve meals to classrooms or dining areas. You may even sit with children to facilitate the family-style dining experience.
• Adaptive Support: With supervisor approval, you may be required to step in and perform cook duties in their absence.

• Cleanliness: Maintain a spotless kitchen by cleaning and sanitizing work counters, food storage areas, dishes, and utensils.
• Dining Prep: Ensure classroom and dining room tables are cleaned and sanitized prior to every meal and snack.

• Professional Growth: Participate in required center and agency staff meetings and engage in ongoing training.
• Program Support: Assist in recruiting families and follow all agency policies to support the overall success of the program.

Education: High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience: 1–3 months of related experience or training, with sufficient knowledge to fulfill the roles of the position.

Knowledge: Familiarity with WI Department of Children and Families childcare licensing and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Training & Certifications: Must have (or obtain) 4 hours of specific training in nutrition, meal prep, food storage, and sanitation.

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and completion of OSHA and Child Abuse Neglect & Reporting procedures.

• Physical Stamina: This role requires constant standing, walking, reaching, and bending.
• Lifting: Ability to lift/carry 10 lbs or less constantly, and up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Environment: Must be comfortable working in a loud, busy kitchen and classroom environment.

Health Clearances: Ability to pass a background check and Physical Evaluation Test.

Familiar with Online Ordering and Excel Sheets

Family Forum, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Experience: Previous experience in large-quantity cooking, particularly for infants and toddlers.

Soft Skills: A positive attitude, emotional maturity, and patience when working around young children

Experience: Previous experience in large-quantity cooking, particularly for infants and toddlers

Certifications: Valid Food Card or ServSafe certification

Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Head Start Performance Standards

First Aid: Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain it)

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Professional Development
• Flexible Schedule

• Critical Illness

  Short Term Disability

  Paid Life Insurance

Family Forum, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation that provides programs for families in Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, and Price Counties of Wisconsin. The corporation is made up of a Governing Board who manage the affairs of the corporation through the Executive Director. The programs provided by Family Forum, Inc. are Head Start / Early Head Start.

We are dedicated to preparing children and their families for success; through high quality programming, family support and wellness education, while fostering meaningful relationships.

Partnering with families and communities to build school readiness for all children through passionately committed relationships that connect families to goal oriented outcomes.