Assistant Cook, Vended/Custodian, Substitute

Assistant Cook, Vended

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Assistant Cook is responsible to assist with the preparation of nutritious pre-approved meals and snacks to children in a family-style meal setting. The Assistant Cook, under the guidance of the Food Services Specialist and supervision of the Center Manager, provides children with opportunities to gain experience in the nutrition area.  The Assistant Cook complies with safety and sanitation policies and procedures. Helps recruit potential parents by providing information to them about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Preparation

1.     Prepares pre-approved meals and snacks for meal service.
2.     Follows pre-approved menus and uses pre-approved food items. 
3.     Substitutions of menu items will be made only if absolutely necessary. The substitution will be of equal value to the original menu item.  The date, reason for substitution, and the actual substitution will be documented on a substitution form.
4.     Adapts menu to meet dietary requirements of children with special needs under guidance of the Food Services Specialist and Center Manager.
5.     Monitors plate waste and reports results to the Food Services Specialist and Center Manager.
6.     Purchases and orders, according to necessary amounts and within recommended budgetary guidelines as directed by the Center Manager.
7.     Communicates with vendors frequently to report meal counts and express any concerns or needs.
8.     Communicates with vendor to insure appropriate substitutions for infant and toddlers when food selection is not age appropriate.
9.     Serves and assists classroom staff when needed with serving children during mealtimes. 

Recordkeeping, as requested by Center Manager

1.     Records number of meals and snacks served daily and completes production records daily.
2.     Records food temperatures for each food item daily.
3.     Records refrigerator and freezer temperatures daily.
4.     Maintains an inventory of all equipment and material.
5.     If necessary, completes fiscal paperwork on a timely basis.
6.     Prepares monthly food service report.

Safety and Sanitation

1.     Maintains high standards of sanitation in preparation, service of food, and storage.
2.     Prepares all meals and snacks according to the State Health Department sanitation standards, including proper time and temperature, exposure of foods, personal hygiene, cleaning procedures, and schedule.
3.     Utilizes correct operating, cleaning, sanitizing and safety procedures of all kitchen equipment.
4.     Follows agency and regulatory information, ensuring all necessary postings are conspicuously placed for public view.
5.     Uses and stores food on a first in/first out basis and stores in such a manner as to meet proper sanitation standards.
6.     Notifies appropriate person of malfunctioning or broken equipment and supplies.
7.     Discusses safety concerns with Food Services Specialist and Center Manager in a timely fashion.
8.     Have or obtain within 30 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification as well as maintain the certification during employment.

Custodian

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Custodian is responsible for the cleaning of and disinfecting of the Head Start facility. Assists the local personnel in the setting up and breaking down of the facility; which includes carrying materials and loading/unloading materials. Ensures the Head Start Facility is clean, safe, and properly maintained.  Helps recruit potential parents by providing information to them about the various program services and benefits offered to enrolled children and families.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Set-Up

1. Assists in the setting up of the Head Start Center.
2. Participates in orientation and training.
3. Loads, unloads, and transports center materials.

Center Operations-Maintenance

1. Performs general, routine custodial duties, to include dusting, mopping, vacuuming, shampooing carpets, cleaning restrooms, washing windows, and restocking paper and soap supplies.
2. Cleans materials in the Head Start Center.
3. Empties trash receptacles, disposes trash into dumpsters, and bags trash for proper disposal. Recycles materials as needed.
4. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvements of workplace safety and environmental practices.
5. May assist with minor maintenance, such as replacing light bulbs, adjusting/moving furniture, or other similar actions.
6. Performs limited grounds maintenance as applicable such as mowing, trimming trees and hedges, weed control, snow removal and general grounds upkeep including but not limited to keeping the grounds free of rubbish and debris.
7. Operates basic tools and equipment used in routine maintenance such as, but not limited to; lawn mower, weed whip, snow blower, shovel, vacuum, broom and mop.
8. Performs other general cleaning and maintenance as requested by Center Manager.

Center Operations-Custodial

1. Assists in the operation of the Head Start center.
2. Brings necessary materials to classrooms, offices, restrooms.
3. Assists in the storage of infant and toddler seats.
4. Assists in the ordering of and receiving of deliveries.
5. Unlocks & locks doors, ensuring doors are locked after cleaning areas.
6. Offers recommendations to, and reports needs & concerns to the Head Start Center Manager regarding the smooth operation of the Head Start Center.

Center Operations-Break-Down

1. Boxes and otherwise stores center materials.
2. Loads and transports center materials.
3. Stores center materials in a safe environment.
4. Performs other closing out tasks as required.

Safety Compliance

1. Completes safety awareness training specific to the position before performing essential functions of the job, as new safety sensitive duties are assumed, annually, and as requested to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
2. Follows precautionary measures to prevent injury and illness resulting from exposure to hazardous substances, sharp and/or moving parts, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
3. Does not cut grass or trim landscaping with electric or motorized equipment when children and/or staff are in immediate area.
4. Does not move snow with a snow blower when children and/or staff are in immediate area.
5. Must wear long pants and eyewear when operating or working around lawn mower, weed trimmer, and other equipment that may cause flying debris.
6. Must wear appropriate clothing for snow blowing, shoveling, salting, etc.
7. Have or obtain within 30 days of hire a First Aid and CPR Certification as well as maintain the certification during employment.