Cook

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Cook is responsible for the management of the food program based on all Child & Adult Care Food Program requirements and San Antonio Metro Health Department regulations including, but not limited to, menu planning; purchasing, inventorying, preparing, and service of food; maintaining a safe and sanitary environment for food preparation and storage; properly maintaining all food service equipment; maintaining professional relationships with all outside vendors for the purchasing of food and supplies; budgeting; and preparing menus for children and children with special dietary needs; and the ability to cook meals for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks for a large group. The Cook is responsible for ensuring compliance with all other reporting agencies such as DFPS Minimum Standards, CCS Rising Star requirements, and NAEYC criteria.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position requires face to face interactions with staff, board, vendors, and the general public on a daily basis to accomplish all essential functions of the position.  

• Compliance of nutritional standards and regulations set by Brighton Center ECE, Social Services, and the Provincial Health Department. Including but not limited to awareness of children with allergies, special dietary needs, and/or ethnic customs (special menus) in order to provide or supplement with alternate foods which also meet food program requirements. Plan, order, prepare, and cook all meals and snacks are required per day per child. (35%)
• Maintain a safe, sanitary, healthy, and inviting kitchen workspace. Perform housekeeping duties in relation to food storage and kitchen including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, sanitizing all surfaces, discarding trash/debris/recycling properly, cleaning/maintaining all drains and grease traps, replacing can liners and other cleaning materials/chemical, and properly maintaining kitchen equipment and storage areas such as but not limited to refrigerators, freezers, stovetop, ovens, vent hoods, dishwasher, cabinets, shelves, work surfaces etc., and laundry duties in relation to kitchen articles. (25%)
• Coordinate with the Program Director and/or Admin Coordinator for the ordering and purchasing of the food and supplies. Understand and assist with the management of the food budget dollars including choices of food and use of purchases while keeping weekly records of expenses as well as maintaining proper inventory of all food and supplies to ensure all purchases are within budget. (20%)

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Adapts to program changes and takes initiative to locate appropriate alternatives to resume activities. Completes an annual Individual Professional Development Plan and participates in trainings/services to expand knowledge of nutrition, menu planning, and childcare issues. (5%)
• Responsible for positive face to face interactions with child(ren), parents, and staff. Maintains great customer service as well as positive and professional communication with parents on a daily basis through the use of daily sheets, notes, and/or verbally. Ability to work with other staff members to form a positive, supportive team atmosphere; and ensures confidentiality of privileged information. (5%)
• Assists teachers with regards to food and cooking activities. (5%)
• Responsible for performing all other duties as assigned, and ensuring deadlines given are met. (3%)
• Able to plan and prepare meals for other departments/events as requested and to be involved with special events that may require additional preparation and/or organization. (2%)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Food Handlers/Management Certification and Food Sanitation and Hygiene Certificate. Minimum of six months experience of working in the culinary field.
• Preferred: Experience in working in a licensed childcare center, special education, early child education, or family centered service organization preferred and experience working with the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Food Program preferred.

NECESSARY SKILLS

• Ability to demonstrate, understanding and apply our Core Values which are at the heart of our organization and are embedded in