Food Service Worker

Summary: The Tri-County Opportunities Council Early Head Start/Head Start Program serves 483 expectant mothers and children ages birth to five in the nine Illinois Counties of Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, and Whiteside. The program offers comprehensive child and family development services to those deemed eligible. The program’s primary goals are to partner with parents to promote self-esteem, increase self-confidence, and advance school readiness skills for children. Comprehensive programming includes education, medical, dental, mental health, and nutritional services; welcomes children with disabilities or special needs; and provides family education, advancement, and social service support while connecting enrolled families to community resources and transportation assistance. The program offers various options to meet the needs of children, families, and communities throughout all nine counties.

Mission Statement: T.C.O.C. Head Start is committed to taking the leadership role in developing partnerships to build stronger communities. We create and nurture supportive experiences that lead to successful outcomes for children, families, and staff.

Agency Name: Tri-County Opportunities Council

Program Name: Early Head Start/Head Start Program

Job Title: Food Service Worker

Reports to: Site Supervisor

Status: 40 hrs./wk.; full-year position.

Educational Requirements: Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED. A valid Illinois driver’s license. Must obtain and maintain an Illinois Department of Public Health Sanitation Certification within the first 30 days of employment.

If hired, employees without the required credits/credentialing will be required to sign a professional development plan upon hire with a designated timeline for completion.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance
• Not essential but may be required as needed; sufficient strength and flexibility (ability to stoop, bend, twist, etc.) to frequently bend down to a child’s level, sit on the floor with them, stand for prolonged periods of time, respond to a child’s quick and frequent movements and when necessary lift a child, must have manual dexterity
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must have the ability to safely enter and exit the center and family’s home
• Must pass a general physical examination and TB screening at the time of hire and every two years thereafter
• Must obtain and maintain certification in First Aid and CPR
• Employment in this position is contingent on cleared criminal background check, clear background check as per the Department of Children & Family Services Licensing Standards and Policy Council approval
• Effective and Responsive Interpersonal skills
• Anticipate happenings and problem solve solutions
• Technology Proficient
• Ability to manage time and multitask
• Adaptable
• Innovative Change Agent
• Other duties as assigned

Confidentiality: The person filling this position must abide by the program’s confidentiality policy and Code of Ethics regarding children, family, staff and/or agency matters

Adhere to internal and external policy, procedure, and best practice

• DCFS Licensing Standards
• Head Start Performance Standards
• Child and Adult Care Food Program
• OSHA
• T.C.O.C. Early Head Start/Head Start Policy and Procedures
• T.C.O.C. Human Resource Policy and Procedures

Support the mission, goals, and objectives of the Tri-County Opportunities Council Community Action Agency and, more specifically, the Early Head Start/Head Start program.

Accountabilities: Ensuring safe, supportive, intentional and engaging environments for children birth to five. Ensuring that environments and experiences provide natural and developmentally appropriate skill development opportunities to children with various skill levels. Ensure that equitable practices are in place to reduce achievement gaps. Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development resulting in improved teaching and learning.

Essential Duties: Food Service Workers are responsible for planning, purchasing, preparing, and serving program meals. Food service workers join children and other staff during meal times when time allows. They encourage children to try new foods, facilitate or join child-led conversations, and guide the advancement of self-help skills. Along with the abovementioned tasks, food service workers must complete internal and external paperwork aligned with program policies and CACFP requirements. When fulfilling class aide hours, the food service worker is led by education staff in the classroom and helps to ensure child and adult safety and the active supervision of children.

Support the mission, goals, and objectives of the Tri-County Opportunities Council Community Action Agency and, more specifically, the Early Head Start/Head Start program.

• Create weekly menus that comply with the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Head Start requirements.
• Provide copies of the menu to parents/legal guardians of the program before the food is served. *Have menus translated into a family's home language when necessary
• Within the established budget, plan and purchase weekly meal service items. Inclusive of multicultural foods.
• Ensure that when served, food remains at the required temperature/s
• Ensure food service areas meet Health Department, program, and rental space requirements
• Adhere to all internal and external procedures regarding meal service procedures
• Follow developed procedures and Individualized Health Plans related to diagnosed food allergens
• Plan and lead a minimum of one nutrition activity per month
• Complete and submit neat, accurate, and timely weekly/monthly paperwork
• Manage monthly Pest Management on-site procedures
• Support teaching by providing safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments
• Active supervision of children and learning environments

Benefits:

• Dental Insurance (Must work 20 hours/per week)
• Vision Insurance (Must work 20 hours/per week)
• Life Insurance (Must work 20 hours/per week)
• Health Insurance – 2 Plans (Must work 30 hours/per week)
• Partially Paid Family Medical Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Sick Time
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• For current staff applying for a different position, the wage is base pay (based on current qualifications) plus 1% for each year of previous agency employment.

Tri-County Opportunities Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provider. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.50 - $15.95 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• Food Handler Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Sterling, IL 61081 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sterling, IL 61081: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $16