Full-Time, Excellent Benefits and Paid Time Off Starting Wage:

$19.58 per hour

PURPOSE:

The Cook serves as a role model for nutritious meal preparation, good attitudes toward food safe and sanitary habits. This position prepares and serves meals that are attractive, appealing and flavorful that comply with Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements and the Agency requirements. The Cook 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.

Prepare nutritious and appealing meals and snacks that meet the developmental and individual needs/interests of children 0-5, following CACFP guidelines.

• Work from written menu and standard recipes;
• Food is tasty and presented in an appetizing way;
• Prepare foods that are low in sugar, salt, fat, and advocate the Dietary Guidelines;
• Meals are planned and prepared for serving at specified meal times.

B. Regularly plan and conduct nutrition activities with children. C. Work with Head Start nutritionist regarding individual nutrition needs/problems of children. D. Coordinate with center staff on planning of family days, parent meetings and special events. E. Assist in feeding of infants and toddlers in EHS settings.

II. PURCHASING A.

Purchase all food and supplies for use in the kitchen, staying within the allotted budget.

• Do weekly inventory, ordering and receiving of food checking for accuracy and quality;
• Secure the best buys that meet requirements;
• Have designated Disaster and Crisis food supplies on hand.

III. 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;
• Label cupboards and drawers;
• Wash all dishes, utensils and cookware following established procedures;
• Maintain an orderly kitchen, containing only appropriate materials and equipment;
• Take all necessary precautions in food preparation to avoid health hazards.

B. Display required posters in appropriate areas. C. Follow hand washing, first aid and other health and safety routines in accordance with procedures.

IV. DOCUMENTATION/RECORD KEEPING A.

Complete paperwork accurately and on time.

• Maintain accurate meal counts for all groups served;
• Maintain monthly tracking sheet for all expenses;
• Maintain financial records, as required;
• Record all menu changes on monthly menu and recipe used;
• Record refrigerator/freezer temperatures daily;
• Record food temperatures at all meals;
• In Early Head Start (EHS) settings, maintain infant production records in accordance with procedures.

V. KITCHEN WORKERS A.

Direct/oversee and train all workers in the kitchen.

• Cook Assistant, Dishwasher, Volunteer B.

Schedule kitchen work schedules and assignments.

VI. 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.

VII. 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.

VIII. 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

Experience :

One year of experience cooking and food preparation required. Food service, management and buying experience preferred.

Certification or Accreditation :

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

Essential Skills :

Excellent verbal and written English language communication skills. Ability to accurately manage food budget. Ability to proficiently manage inventory and purchasing. Sufficient math skills to measure, figure measurement conversion and multiply ingredient amounts. Ability to complete food preparation within the required time frames. 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 :

Must have knowledge of state food sanitation regulations. Ability to multitask; exercise logical judgment, analyze, organize and prioritize. Ability to work as a team member and to be self-directed. 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 and school buses.

Working Conditions :

Work in kitchens and preschool centers, frequent local travel and occasional out-of-town 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