Head Start Lead Cook

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Center Manager, the Cook is responsible for all food service duties and job-related services necessary for the preparation and serving of meals consistent with Department of Education and Head Start Performance Standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Makes requests for food and supplies for the center’s food services program.

• Receives and signs for all deliveries and keeps accurate records on invoices.

• Maintains adequate inventory and proper storage of foods, nutrition supplies and equipment.

• Attends training sessions and holds certifications as required by the Department of Education and any other regulatory bodies.

• Prepares food according to menus, state and local codes, center schedules and number of children and adults to be served.

• Makes menu substitutions when needed.

• Serves meals according to time schedules.

• Provides food for children with special needs as directed by supervisor of food services.

• Maintains safety procedures in the kitchen.

• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation in the food service area.

• Maintains daily food production records in the menu book.

• Keeps accurate daily count of all meals served to children and adults.

• Submits reports to nutritionist’s office as required.

• Maintains records on file for three years.

• Takes inventory of food, milk, and supplies.

• Participates in evaluation and appraisal of other food service personnel.

• Schedules the work of the Cook Assistant.

• Recruits volunteers and in-kind contributions.

• Performs similar job-related duties as assigned.

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  WORK ENVIRONMENT

  This job operates in a clean and organized kitchen environment. The role routinely involves the use of kitchen equipment and involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions. Work may involve moderate exposure to classroom settings.

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  PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  This position involves considerable physical activity and requires physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

  Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

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  POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
  This is a full-time position, and days and hours of work are Monday – Friday 8 hours per day, unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director.

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  TRAVEL

  Occasional local travel may be required for training purposes.

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  OTHER DUTIES

  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• One year of experience in quantity food service preparation.

• Preferred

• Registered Dietitian or Chef

• ServSafe Certified

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

• Ability to read and follow recipes.

• Ability to maintain a record keeping system.

• Ability to substitute foods on menus (exchange foods)

• Ability to work within a strict time frame.

• Ability to understand and respect confidential information regarding children, families, and staff.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

• Proficiencies in math and measuring.

• Understanding of nutritional needs for preschool children.

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  AAP/EEO Statement

  CAFI provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, CAFI complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

  CAFI expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of CAFI’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.