Cook

Position Title:  Cook, Head Start

Employee Type: Full-Time Regular 

Supervisor Title: Manager, Nutrition, Head Start

Division: United States Programs

 

 

Summary

The Cook is a critical role within in 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 the 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 foods 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 the position holder is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that, he/she comes in contact with and represents the agency values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

Prepare and serve food and assist in any food related activities as directed and menus as approved by 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 on-line 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 classroom 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 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
Demonstrated ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential
Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards is preferred
Previous experience working with CACFP is preferred
Certification in ServSafe is preferred
Bilingual is preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area)
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels—whether internal or external—in the provision of high quality services