Cook

Head Start Cook

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others? If your answer is yes then Southern Seven Health Department may have the perfect career for you. We offer a great working environment, have the highest caliber of employees, and most importantly are a "family friendly" employer.

This position is a full time position and is based at the Vienna Early Learning Center in, Vienna, Illinois. It does come with a benefit package (including vacation, personal, and sick time accrual, holidays, health and life insurance, and an employer sponsored cafeteria plan).


Qualifications: At a minimum the applicant must be at least 18 years of age, have a High School diploma or GED, and possess a Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (or be willing to get it within 30 days of hire).

Salary: $15.39 hourly

Job Duties:

• • Prepares meals for children enrolled in the program to meet CACFP requirements using provided menus and recipes while maintaining nutrients, flavor, and variety of colors and textures.
  • Completes and submits requisitions for all food and other supplies necessary for food preparation to Health & Nutrition Specialist by due date (s).
  • Drives their own vehicle to pick up local supplies as needed (mileage is reimbursed as per agency policy).
  • Maintains accurate records of monthly food and non-food inventories.
  • Unloads food deliveries and stores supplies according to guidelines (inspects deliveries prior to accepting, records dates, utilizes First In First Out, etc.).
  • Submits required paperwork by set deadlines.
  • Maintains a clean and sanitary kitchen which meets food service sanitation regulations that is safe and free of hazards.
  • Makes food substitutes that meets CACFP guidelines as necessary and maintains accurate meal substitution documentation.
  • Maintains clean and sanitary equipment and work area at all times.
  • Notifies Supervisor and/or Health & Nutrition Specialist when any problems or issues arise regarding food supplies and/or equipment.
  • Follows and makes accommodations for all special diets due to medical issues and/or allergies for children enrolled in the program.
  • Responsible for developing a partnership with parents and caregivers in the Head Start program and encourages each parent/caregiver to take in active role in their child's Head Start experience.
  • Participates in staff meetings, center activities, and staff development. This includes food service staff meetings and trainings as required.
  • Maintains child, family, and employee confidentiality.
  • Participates in the federal and annual program review as well as the CACFP Review and Health Department Food Inspections.
  • Responsible for recruitment of Head Start eligible children, in coordination with other Head Start staff, for enrollment into the Head Start program.
  • Responsible for carrying out best practices for safety procedures concerning children, staff, families, and community individuals and for assessing current practices and finding ways and areas needing improvement.
  • Responsible for participating in activities and attitudes that promote positive public relations and positive image for the program and agency.
  • Complies and is familiar with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

"Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"