Early Head Start Cook

JOB SUMMARY:The Head Start/Early Head Start/Early Head Start-Child Care (HS/EHS/EHS-CC) Cook is responsible for the purchase, preparation, cooking and serving of food, inspection, cleaning and maintenance e of the kitchen and/or dining area and the completion of required paperwork. This is a Safety Sensitive position.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, formulate, coordinate and implement appropriate kitchen management systems in accordance with USDA ( United States Department of Agriculture), Health Department, Fire Marshall, Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Department of Education, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Head Start Performance Standards.
• Implement the cycle menu in accordance with LIFT Head Start/Early Head Start policies and procedures, and established practices; budget requirements; Head Start Performance Standards, and the guidelines established by the CACFP.
• Review menus for needed supplies and purchase, inventory, and properly store food. Purchase food needed for meals and snacks service on site and for field trips.
• Maintain all CACFP paperwork. Paperwork includes menu production records, monthly adjustment sheets, food transport records, inventories, cycle menu, meal count worksheets, freezer logs and food purchase receipts. Compile monthly reports accurately. Turn in all monthly CACFP documentation on time.
• Post and maintain all required CACFP public notices.
• Refer child nutrition concerns to the appropriate agency staff member.
• Clean and maintain kitchen, food service utensils, equipment, and food storage areas to standards mandated by the Oklahoma Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing, the Healthy Department, and best practices with regards to food safety and sanitation.
• Smoking is not allowed on Head Start property or aby LIFT Community Action Agency, Inc. property. Additionally, no vulgar language is allowed. Cell phone use will be limited to emergency use only.
• Must be able to sit and eat with children at mealtimes sharing the same menu. A physician 's statement must be obtained for special dietary needs. Pleasant child-oriented conversation should take place during mealtimes. No sodas, tea or other drinks other than water is allowed to be consumed while children are present.
• Maintain an environment that is tolerant and respectful of child and family cultures, values and differences. Assist Non-English-speaking families.
• Provide all information requested for program documentation in a timely manner.
• Assist other staff with projects as requested. Perform other duties as assigned and reasonably within scope of duties listed above.
• Report to work at scheduled times and maintain good attendance. Perform all duties in a timely and professional manner. Participate with a positive attitude and behavior in all program activities.
• Keep all assigned records accurate and current as appropriate. Keep all records and family information confidential.
• Continue professional growth by participating in ECE (Early Childhood Education) classes, training programs, workshops, conferences, as the budget allows. Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-service training, parent meetings and other training, meeting or workshops as deemed necessary by the Early Learning Center Program Director or the Executive Director.
• Become knowledgeable and maintain an understanding and support the philosophies, theories and the mission of HS/EHS/EHS-CC and LIFT Community Action Agency, Inc.
• Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family information.
• Assist in classroom as time permits.
• The listed job functions, duties and responsibilities do not necessarily include all activities that the incumbent may perform. Nothing herein restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Perform duties as may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:The HS/EHS/EHS-CC Cook reports directly to the Teacher or EHS Center Director. Performs direct supervision of the Assistant Cook.OUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have reliable transportation, valid driver license and auto insurance.
• Knowledge of proper food storage, preparation and cooking, recipe usage, standards weights and measures, work place safety practices.
• Basic cooking skills plus experience in food service and volume meal preparation is beneficial. Must be able to read and follow a recipe and a cycle menu.
• Possess superior cleaning and organizational skills.
• Basic math skills and use of calculator.
• Valid Food Handlers Card.
• Obtain OSBI and DHS state Registry, and a Federal Background Check clearance prior to hire and during employment as required. Must not have pending