Part-Time Position Starting Wage:

$17.41 per hour

PURPOSE:

The Cook Assistant helps the cook in their job duties. This position serves as a role model for the children in their attitudes and habits toward food. The Cook Assistant educates staff and families on the nutritional needs of children 0-5 and support age appropriate feeding practices. This position is responsible for meeting Head Start performance standards, following the Agency policies and procedures, and following Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

I.

MEALS/FOOD A.

Assist cook with the preparation of nutritious meals and snacks that meet the developmental and individual needs/interests of children 0-5, following CACFP guidelines.

• Follow written menus and recipes;
• Food is tasty and presented in an appetizing way;
• Meals are served on time.

B. Regularly participate in nutrition activities with children. C. Assume all responsibility of the kitchen in the event of the Cook's absence.

II. SANITATION AND SAFETY A.

Follow and adhere to safe food handling and sanitation standards according to program requirements and procedures.

• Follow suggestions or requirements of county sanitarian, i.e., following all applicable rules, regulations, and policies;
• Maintain a clean, safe environment in the kitchen and food storage areas at all times;
• Wash all dishes, utensils and cookware following established procedures;
• Keep kitchen orderly, containing only appropriate materials and equipment;
• Take all necessary precautions in food preparation to avoid health hazards.

B. Follow hand washing, first aid, and other health and safety routines in accordance with procedures.

III. DOCUMENTATION/RECORD KEEPING A.

Assist cook in completing paperwork on time and accurately.

• Maintain accurate meal counts daily for all groups served, or as directed by the cook;
• Record refrigerator/freezer temperatures, or as directed by the cook;
• Record food temperatures at all meals, or as directed by the cook;
• Record all menu changes on monthly menu and recipe used.

IV. FOOD TRANSPORTATION A.

Receive and unpack supplies. B. Assist in the packaging of meals for transport. C. Load and unload meals and supplies into vehicle. D. Transport food and equipment to various Head Start sites.

V. INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND CO-WORKERS A.

Must relate in a positive, nurturing way, both verbally and physically, and be sensitive to the needs of children, parents and co-workers. B. Must use quick, safe reactions and responses in dealing with children or situations that involve children.

VI. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY A.

Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment. B. Follow safety regulations, policies and procedures. C. Actively contribute towards promoting a safe workplace/environment.

VII. OTHER DUTIES

May be assigned other related duties as appropriate and within the scope of general responsibilities for this position. However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties that may need to be performed by the employee fulfilling this position. This job description describes the general nature and level of work, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties which may be required.

REQUIRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education :

None required.

Certification or Accreditation :

Food Handlers Certification and Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certification required. (Certifications can be obtained at Head Start after hire.)

Experience :

Minimum 6 months experience cooking and food preparation preferred. Training in food sanitation and safety is preferred.

Essential Skills :

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written English language communication skills. Sufficient math skills to measure, figure measurement conversion and multiply ingredient amounts. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English to understand and follow procedures, ensure safety, and complete required documentation related to the position.

Essential Mental Abilities :

Ability to understand and follow recipes and directions for food preparation. Ability to work as a team member and independently. Ability to maintain confidential information.

Essential Physical Requirements :

This position is classified as Center‑Facing. Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. a distance of 25 feet and to push and/or pull up to 40 lbs. a distance of 20 yards. Sufficient mobility, strength, and range of motion to perform standing, walking, balancing, stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching, squatting or kneeling, twisting, and ascending or descending steps. Ability to react quickly to the physical actions of children. Ability to sit for extended periods of time as required by the position. Sufficient stamina to perform job duties at the required frequency. Sufficient vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and eye‑hand coordination to perform job duties safely and effectively. These physical requirements reflect the maximum potential demands of working in a center‑based setting and are not indicative of continuous lifting or carrying.

Exposure Hazards :

Hazardous chemicals, kitchen equipment, hot water, contagious conditions, work with personal computer, and driving and riding in motor vehicles.

Working conditions:

Working in kitchens and preschool centers. Will require local travel.

EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON

Pre-employment health screening as required by Agency and position (may include, but is not limited to: drug screening, occupational health screening and/or functional testing) Central Background Registry enrollment Three (3) year DMV court print driving record Valid Oregon driver's license Proof of current personal automobile insurance in accordance with Agency policy Approval to drive from Agency insurance carrier - requires at least 21 years of age Reports to: Site Manager 0-5