Cook - Head Start
The Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc.About the role
Description
Come join the amazing Community Action Program of Belknap-Merrimack Counties team!
We are a private non-profit committed to doing all we can in the fight against poverty. Our legacy goes back to the 1960's and we manage over 70 programs designed to help those who need it most.
Working for Head Start and Early Head Start provides an opportunity to support the most vulnerable children in your community and help them and their families achieve success in school and in life.
You'll join a team of talented and passionate people who are motivated to make our community as strong and resilient as possible.
HOURS: Monday – Friday, 30 hours per week.
** Eligible for $1500-$2000 Sign-On Incentive **
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Cook is responsible for the complete food services preparation at the Head Start/Early Head Start/Child Care centers. This includes the preparation of meals based on created menus (according to the CACFP Meal Pattern Guidelines for children birth to five years old), clean up, record keeping, and maintenance of safe and sanitary food practices.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITES:
- Prepares all meals following the provided quantity food recipes and CACFP Meal Pattern Guidelines. Follows provided menus with no alteration unless approved by the Health and Nutrition Services Specialist.
- Maintains safe and sanitary food practices in accordance with state and local requirements as well as Serv Safe Manager Level Practices.
- Makes purchases at local stores and through approved vendors used by the agency, ensuring cost effectiveness as needed.
- Reports daily participant counts.
- Ensures cleanliness and sanitation of the kitchen, refrigerator, freezers, stoves and ovens. All cleaning must be performed on a routine as well as on an “as needed” basis.
- Properly uses and stores small appliances and food containers.
- Coordinates with the Teachers, Center Coordinator and Education/Site Manager on food needed for snacks and meetings using the Nutrition Activity Material sheet provided by the Health and Nutrition Services Specialist (may be found in the Center-based Forms book).
- Coordinates with the Teachers, Center Coordinator and Education/Site Manager on changes in routines such as classroom cooking activities, parent functions, etc.
- Attends training sessions and meetings as required by the Health and Nutrition Services Specialist and Education/Site Manager.
- Maintains an understanding of USDA requirements and CACFP meal patterns, including portion sizes for each age group served and sanitation requirements.
- Maintains familiarity with the Nutrition Policies and Procedures of the program, including breast milk storage, infant feeding, choking hazard foods, etc.
AGENCY RESPONSIBILTIIES:
You are part of something bigger than just your program and every CAPBM employee is accountable for delivering the highest quality of service and support to all of our stakeholders including program participants, clients, volunteers, coworkers, contractors, vendors, and any other individual touched by the work we do.
- Be committed to the Agency's Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Express courtesy and willingness to assist others while providing positive, prompt, and quality assistance to all CAPBM stakeholders.
- Maintain adequate knowledge of all CAPBM programs to make referrals to other CAPBM programs beneficial to the participant.
- Maintain professional boundaries with all current, past, and prospective clients, and maintain the confidentiality of clients and staff per CAPBM policy and procedure. Adhere strictly to the confidentiality of clients, co-workers, and internal business information.
- Present a professional and positive image as a representative of CAPBM.
- Follow established policies and procedures and comply with all safety requirements.
- Communicate proactively with the supervisor regarding workflow, problems, suggestions, etc.
- Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment; and attend team and staff meetings as scheduled.
- Be punctual for scheduled work, use time appropriately, and complete work in a timely fashion with minimal errors.
ADDITIONAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS:
- Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Raise year)
- 50% off child care in our centers (subject to availability)
- A Practice-Based Coach, Behavior Support Coordinator, and Mental Health Consultant on staff for employee support
- Paid professional development days and trainings during work days free of cost (airfare, meals, hotel included!)
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