Introduction:

The employee works under the supervision of the Center Supervisor. The employee will purchase and prepare food as planned by the Nutrition Coordinator and assist in the implementation of family style service of meals, as well as the modification of menus according to the special dietary needs of children. The employee will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining assigned areas. The employee will be capable of operating modern office equipment. The employee may be exposed to dust, dirt, foul odors and other factors due to the breakdown of some equipment or systems. The employee shall adhere to the National Smoke Free Environment Policy Public Law 103-227, Pro-Children Act of 2001 42 U.S.C. 7181 through 7184 and TN Licensure Rule 1240-04-01-12(14).

Section 1 – Job Performance

Quality of Work

Responsible for the preparation of foods in order that sufficient amounts are prepared, high quality is maintained and nutritional standards are met.

Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch and snack within designated time frame according to menus, utilizing child size utensils.

Prepare and serve special diets as prescribed by a physician or other certified personnel.

Organize refrigerators, freezers and food storage areas monthly, removing leftovers that are out of date according to procedure recommendations.

Job Knowledge

Order food and milk from approved vendor and/or purchase items from designated grocery store.

Record refrigerator, freezer and milk box temperatures morning & afternoon.

Calibrate thermometers following agency procedure.

Record food temperature following agency procedure.

Sign all grocery invoices, showing receipt & itemized requisition of goods and submit to Center Supervisory Staff in the assigned time frame.

Store food to meet Environmental requirements and report inventory of all food and non-food items to the Nutrition Coordinator on a monthly basis.

Prepare and check sanitizing water for chlorine (kitchen) per training.

Prepare sanitizing water for peroxide (classroom) per instructions as needed.

Serve as a resource for content area providing direction and guidance as needed.

Initiative

Pick-up stock from the Central Office as assigned by the Center Supervisory Staff.

Keep trash cans cleaned monthly, lined, emptied and trash removed daily from center. *avoid overflow

Prep food needed for the following day.

Provide monthly reports to supervisor.

Section 2 - Personal Performance

Dependability

Clean and mop restrooms daily and replenish paper products.

Clean all dining chairs weekly to remove any evidence of dirt and food for centers with a dining area.

Clean all mirrors in the center and clean the inside of the windows in the classroom and center every other month as assigned.

Attendance & Punctuality

Ensure all paperwork is accurate and submitted timely.

Regular attendance and timely arrival to assigned work site.

Submit accurate and timely employee time, attendance and mileage reports.

Relationship Building Skills

Provide support to center staff as needed outside of nutrition duties.

Secure and document in-kind contributions, volunteer time, and community support.

Flexibility

Adjust and document changes to menu as needed.

Assist with staff breaks, classroom coverage, and answering phone calls, pick up/drop off, open door and other duties as assigned.

Communication Skills

Check and store all food and non-food items in an orderly manner and report any shortages, defective items and other discrepancies to direct supervisor and the Nutrition Coordinator.

Teamwork

Assist in the implementation of nutrition activities in the classroom.

Assist in the compilation and completion of Self-Assessment/Community Assessment and participate in the analysis of data for training and planning purposes.

Customer Services

Participate in ongoing recruitment targeting children from low income families, children with disabilities and pregnant women, and complete HS/EHS applications as needed.

Adhere to Agency’s HS/EHS confidentiality policy, professional ethics and standards, demonstrating work habits which comply with Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Section 3 – Personal Improvement

Decision Making

Post Menu in Kitchen and classrooms and record daily substitutions as need arises including initiating contact with Supervisor and Nutrition Coordinator regarding changes.

Review and modify job descriptions, plans, policy and procedures as needed.

Supports Quality Improvement

Keep entire kitchen areas clean daily, including stove, refrigerator, cabinets, underside of tables and serving carts and equipment, and conduct thorough monthly cleaning to meet sanitation requirements of the Health Department.

Ensure implementation of State Licensing Regulations, Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies and procedures.

Explore and share ongoing ideas/solutions for program and content area specific improvement.

Professional Development Growth

Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, workshops, and In-Service as assigned.

Ensure PDP Goals have been met.

High School Diploma or equivalent. (Required)

Three years of nutrition service experience (Preferred)

Satisfactory physical examination prior to beginning work and every five years thereafter.

Must possess a valid Driver’s License and current Automobile Liability Insurance

Satisfactory criminal background check prior to hire and every 5 years thereafter. Drug testing as required.

Required Knowledge & Abilities:

Knowledge of all State of Tennessee and local sanitation regulations.

Ability to deal with special nutritional needs of children.

Ability to complete forms and reports accurately and according to established timeframes.

Ability to operate and maintain kitchen equipment in a clean and sanitary condition.

Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the general public and fellow employees.

Ability to prioritize a complex workload.

Ability to understand and follow any oral or written instructions and make mathematical computations and tabulations accurately.

Ability to establish and maintain accurate records and methods for systematic reporting of statistical data.

Ability to travel extensively within assigned area.

Ability to be a mandated reported for suspected child abuse or neglect.

Ability to promote a positive and encouraging work environment.

Ability to assist in other positions as needed.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; stoop; bend; walk; talk; hear; use hands to grip, type; reach with hands and arms, occasionally required to stand or walk on uneven surfaces; climb stairs; run. 2 to 4 hours per day spent in strenuous physical activity, lifting up to 60 lbs. six or eight times in a 7.5-hour day.