MS Head Cook

TITLE: Head Cook

LOCATION: Clear Creek Amana Middle School (Tiffin, IA)

APPROX. HOURS: 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM

JOB SUMMARY: To prepare and serve nutritious meals to students

The employee will frequently work in different areas of the kitchen and cafeteria performing their duties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong customer service and communication skills with students, coworkers, and school staff.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, walk, and handle food, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and work independently.
• Ability to perform under pressure and manage frequent interruptions.
• Tactful approach when interacting with others.
• Knowledge of cooking procedures and equipment.
• Strong command of the English language, including grammar, spelling, and composition.
• Ability to pass a background check and a physical ability exam (lifting 30 lbs) prior to hire.
• Must obtain ServSafe Manager certification within the first year of employment, with ongoing certification maintenance provided by the employer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform tasks assigned by the Kitchen Manager and FoodNutrition Director.
• Plan and project the participation of hot menu items based on historical data and communicate plans to the Kitchen Manager.
• Prepare all hot food items according to standardized recipes, ensuring adherence to food safety protocols.
• Supervise and guide kitchen staff assisting the Head Cook.
• Operate kitchen equipment and perform tasks in a safe, sanitary manner.
• Clean and maintain food service equipment and facilities.
• Serve food following proper portion sizes, in compliance with state guidelines and food safety procedures.
• Maintain positive relationships with students and staff.
• Assist with record-keeping, inventory, and food ordering processes.
• Use safe cooling methods to store leftovers and ensure food safety.
• Train kitchen staff on cooking procedures and safety protocols.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical behavior when handling student, staff, and parent information.
• Follow district and local policies and procedures.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Duties are primarily performed in the cafeteria and kitchen areas, requiring standing or walking for extended periods. Physical stamina is necessary to endure continuous standing, stooping, reaching, grasping, kneeling, walking, bending, and lifting objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Proper lifting techniques and the use of equipment like utility carts, can racks, dunnage racks, and stepping stools are required to assist with physical demands. The ability to tolerate temperature fluctuations typical of food service facilities is essential.

Effective vocal communication is necessary for expressing and exchanging ideas, while hearing is required to understand information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is needed for reviewing written or computer data, checking work accuracy, and observing the surroundings. Cooks will interact daily with teachers, students, administrators, the public, and other staff members. The ability to handle complaints, maintain a service-oriented attitude, and work well with others in a potentially small work environment is expected.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. The Clear Creek Amana School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation or gender identity. Federal law obligates an employee to provide reasonable accommodation for the know disabilities of applicants, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship on the employer.