Head Start Cook

Preschool Cook

If you love to cook and enjoy being around preschool children, this could be the job for you!

About Oswego County Opportunities Ranking among Oswego County's top ten largest private employers, OCO carries out its mission to inspire partnerships and provide services that empower people, support communities, and change lives through more than 50 programs serving 15,000 people each year. OCO's Employee benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (available to Full-Time staff)
• Paid leave (sick leave, PTO, holidays, etc.)
• 403B Deferred Annuity Retirement Plan
• Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

JOB SUMMARY :

Purchases, prepares and serves food for meals and snacks for 50 100 children in multiple classrooms and meal schedules in accordance with Program and Agency guidelines, CACFP requirements and Health Department regulations.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Determines amount of food needed for meals and snacks; purchases food and kitchen supplies in a cost-effective manner.
• Prepares and serves quality meals and snacks for children and adults, (staff and volunteers) according to CACFP Regulations.
• Ensures the health and safety of children with documented food allergies/intolerances by planning and providing safe alternate foods under the direction of the Registered Dietitian and Food Service Specialist.
• Assists in menu planning and keeps accurate food service records according to CACFP requirements.
• Acts as working leader and provides guidance and day-to-day supervision of Cook Aide.
• Assures clean and sanitary conditions in the kitchen, dining areas and storage areas according to Health Department Regulations.
• Prepares and serves foods in a safe and sanitary manner; follows Health Department guidelines.
• Assists children and staff as needed during meal service.
• Maintains an emergency menu for use with substitute coverage or other emergencies; ensures adequate emergency food and related supplies which correspond to the menu are maintained.
• Assists teaching staff as necessary with Nutrition Component.
• Works cooperatively with all program staff to insure proper compliance with program requirements.
• Attends cook's meetings, total staff training center staff and building meetings.
• Participates in professional development training and meetings.
• Works cooperatively with center staff in support of special projects, such as, field trips, picnics, community events, etc.

JOB REQUIREMENTS :

• Must be familiar with food service and guidelines for food preparation.
• Must be able to work well with staff, pre-school children, volunteers, and parents in an open, friendly, and non-judgmental manner.
• Must exhibit good judgment and be organized.
• Must be flexible in regard to scheduling and job related duties.
• Must be a good role model to staff, children and parents; must be able to effectively provide guidance to Cook Aide and volunteers.
• Must be able to follow oral and written directions.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver's License with a good record and have access to a vehicle for job related travel; must maintain Personal Vehicle Certification under the Agency's Driving Policy.
• Must have the physical ability to stand for long periods of time and lift objects in excess of 35 lbs. regularly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• High School Diploma or its equivalent; and
• Must have a minimum of one year of experience in food preparation in a food service environment.
• Leadership experience and experience in quantity food preparation preferred.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.