On-Call Site Cook - Head Start

Join our Head Start program! The Site Cook is responsible for providing a nutritious breakfast/snack and lunch for all children. Cooks will comply with all required standards and regulations.

This is an on-call position.

Candidates must submit an application by 2/6/25 to be considered for first-round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or
• One year experience cooking for groups of 25 or more people.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Food Handlers Card or the ability to obtain.
• ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of cooking skills, nutrition, and ability to follow quantity recipes.
• Ability to create recipes using a variation of ingredients.
• Must possess excellent organizational, record keeping, and math skills.
• Basic proficiencies in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Kitchen Time

• Food preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
• Prepares food in compliance with CACFP guidelines, and according to menus and special dietary needs.
• Follows recipes and cycles menu to ensure consistent quality food to all children.
• Provides correct foods for children with documented allergies, religious preference or other conditions.
• Exhibits time management skills to complete meals at specified times.
• Follows all health and sanitation guidelines.
• Maintains clean, sanitary, safe, and orderly kitchen and eating areas, using approved sanitation cleaning guidelines and procedures, keeping all cleaning chemicals in an area inaccessible to children at all times.
• Maintains all CACFP required documentation.
• Central food distribution of weekly food orders.

Office

• Completes food service records and all other required documentation. Submits as scheduled to Food Service Supervisor.
• Maintains a list of foods children cannot eat due to allergies, etc.
• Possesses a working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, agency policies and procedures and other applicable regulations.
• Posts current menus and documents changes to assure compliance with USDA standards.
• Plans for and orders food weekly as required, staying within budgetary, recipe, and menu guidelines.
• Responsible for appropriate storage and inventory of all food, food service equipment, and kitchen supplies.
• Complies with MWVCAA safety and personnel policies, including punctuality and attendance.

Classroom

• Works collaboratively with classroom staff for nutrition experiences/activities, parent orientations, and parent meetings.
• Assist with meal set up, interact with children, and observe eating habits.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Employee will be standing for the majority of the work day.
• Use of kitchen equipment including, but not limited to range, oven, steamer, dishwasher, and various kitchen utensils.
• Frequent driving in all weather conditions to Agency Head Start and Early Head Start sites.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and apply basic problem-solving skills with regular deadline pressure.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• Work environment is occasionally warm, humid and temperatures vary (particularly in/near refrigerators and freezers and appliances).
• Variable and flexible schedule according to Program needs.

**Enrollment in the Central Background Registry is beneficial if you are even considering working with children in the State of Oregon, since it will be required before you can start a position. Enrollment is free and it is recommended that you start now as the process can take time. Start enrollment online at: oregonearlylearning.com

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth, and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.