Cook

The incumbent of this position is responsible for: the daily operations of the food service activities of the child care center to which they are assigned.

SUPERVISION:

Received: Works under the direct supervision of the Center Director/Site Supervisor, and general supervision of the Nutrition Services Specialist.

Exercised: None.

RATE: $16.57 – $19.11 Based on Education and Experience 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate the highest of standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty, and fortitude in all our Community Action activities in order to inspire confidence and trust in the Community Action movement.
• Support the mission and philosophy of the Head Start program. Work in partnership with families without judgment or bias, recognizing and respecting individual differences and backgrounds.
• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks for their assigned center(s).
• Adheres to menus that have been provided by the Nutrition Services Specialist. Provides that these menus are posted in the kitchen and classrooms monthly. Adheres to menus for children with special nutrition needs as designated by the Nutrition Services Specialist, as well as able to adapt menus for special dietary requirements.
• Relate professionally and tactfully with all families and staff. Maintain good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
• Responsible to order and store deliveries of food and related kitchen supplies, within budget guidelines, as designated by the Nutrition Services Specialist.
• Responsible to shop at grocery store on an as needed basis within budget guidelines and picking-up of food from surplus food delivery site as needed for service.
• Wash and properly care for the dishes, utensils, and kitchen and food delivery equipment.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness in accordance with state and local health, safety, and sanitation regulations. Responsible for following food safety and sanitation procedures.
• Maintain temperature control charts daily.
• Responsible to have emergency meal plans available.
• Maintain records on food purchases and related supplies, and menu production.
• Assist the teaching staff in implementing nutrition education activities for both preschoolers and infants and toddlers through food ordering, preparation and provision of equipment.
• Send required reports to Central Office and Nutrition Services Specialist weekly, when needed or at the end of the month.
• Share in all center responsibilities as needed.
• Attends component and staff trainings.
• Provide support to Policy Council functions through preparation of food as needed.
• Assist with food preparation for monthly parent committee meetings.
• Responsible for collecting and documenting Non-Federal Share donations, as well as sending materials to the Child Development billing clerk by required date.
• Maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel when needed.
• Will maintain professional boundaries with all current, past, and prospective clients, and maintain the confidentiality of clients and staff, in accordance with SNHS policy and procedure.
• Abide by all SNHS Safety policies and procedures.
• Present professional and positive image as a representative of SNHS.
• Responsible for having adequate knowledge of all SNHS programs and will gather sufficient intake information to make referrals to other SNHS programs which are beneficial to the client and his/her family.
• Perform other related duties as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Coursework or experience in quality food preparation
• Knowledge of basic cooking and kitchen procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of kitchen safety and sanitation procedures
• Ability to work without supervision
• Maintain records and reports
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift/carry/move heavy items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to relate well to children and parents

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum High School diploma or GED

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• At least six months of quality food service experience
• Coursework or experience in budgeting and purchasing
• Current ServSafe certification or equivalent food service safety and sanitation certification