Cook

Position Title: Cook, Head Start

Employee Type: Full-Time Regular

Supervisor Title: Manager, Health & Nutrition or Center Director

Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs

 

Save the Children

For over 100 years, Save the Children has been fighting for the rights of children. The right to a healthy start in life. To have access to education. To be in a safe environment, protected from harm. We work in some of the world’s hardest-to-reach places – over 100 countries, including the U.S. No matter what your role is, when you join Save the Children, you’re creating positive, irreversible change for children, and the future we all share.

The Role

The Cook plays a critical role within a large system of services provided to children and families. A strong food service program is important to supporting the goals of the Head Start/Early Head Start program. You will be responsible for ordering, preparing, serving and documentation of meals and snacks served to children, including following menus and all phases of kitchen operations including inventory control.

You will contribute to the smooth operations and functioning of the kitchen in adherence to health and food safety codes and the strict cleanliness of the kitchen and food service and storage areas. You will prepare food for infants and toddlers and/or preschool children following the USDA/CACFP standards. This role may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

As a front-line representative of Save the Children, Center Directors are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes into contact with, adhering to the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaborations, Creativity and Integrity.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

*not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change

• Prepare and serve food and assist in any food related activities as directed and menus as approved by a registered dietitian/nutritionist. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
• Make accommodations for special dietary needs. Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems. Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Oversee maintenance of inventory for all necessary supplies, food and equipment used for food services operations.
• Oversee the processing and storage of food and food related items as they are delivered.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain utensils and equipment used in an institutional kitchen.
• Adhere to and ensure sanitation requirements are met when storing, handling and preparing food.
• Oversee full kitchen operations and may supervise additional staff or volunteer assistance (depending on size and scope of workload).
• Implement a cost-effective food service program according to federal, state and local regulations that is a financially successful operation by helping to control food and labor costs.
• Ensure that standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements
• Prepare and serve all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness.
• Distribute and post weekly menu.
• Deliver food to classrooms and other Centers, where applicable.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Apply clear practice and procedure in day-to-day execution of job.
• Organize self and manage time to get things done.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Build effective relationships within their workgroup and with children/families
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the manager.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, plus at least 3 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated commitment to service to children
• Proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents and families.
• Proven commitment to teamwork and customer service orientation
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
• Proven teamwork orientation and organizational skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children and infants/toddlers
• Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative
• Demonstrat