Assistant Cook

Job Title:                                Assistant Cook

Program/Dept:                      Child & Family Services 

Reports To:                            Kitchen Supervisor

FLSA Status:                         Part Time/ Full Year/ Non-Exempt

Probationary Period:            Ninety (90) days

Work Schedule:                     Up to 35 hours/week

Salary Range:                        Updated Annually

 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Cook assists in preparing and serving food in a safe and sanitary manner and is responsible for ensuring compliance of Head Start performance standards and USDA guidelines in the preparation, storage and clean-up of meals provided.   

 EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Must possess basic cooking skills.

• Prior experience in food not necessary
• Must be able to relate well to parents, children, and other staff members.
• Ability to obtain a Serv-Safe Food Safety Managers Certification within 6 months of hire. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES    

• Assists in the preparation of breakfast, lunch, snack and supper for program children, staff, and volunteers according to the USDA meal patterns.
• Assists with clean up after meals to include sanitation of kitchen surfaces, floors, equipment, serving bowls, plates, cups, bottles, utensils, pots, and pans.
• Assists in safe food storage and helps maintains the kitchen to meet sanitation standards.
• Maintains and models good hygiene, appropriate dress and behavior for self, staff, and volunteers in the kitchen.
• Occasionally works with children in nutrition education activities upon request.
• Assists in record keeping of meal attendance, types of food provided, and amounts of food provided as needed.
• Assists in receipt and inventory of food orders as needed.
• Assumes daily responsibilities of Kitchen Supervisor in their absence. 
• Continues education in the field of nutrition and food as opportunities arise by reading, attending workshops and trainings, or taking courses in the related field.
• Remains aware of special dietary needs of program children, including food allergies.
• Communicates to the Kitchen Supervisor and/or Food Services Manager any concerns or suggestions regarding child nutrition or food services.
• Ability to drive food to other locations if needed.
• Other duties as assigned. 

  SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• N/A

  GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• Respects confidentiality of information about agency staff, personnel issues, and other program operations. 
• Strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality 
• Plan, assign, coordinate, organize and prioritize work.
• Models direct, positive, honest, and respectful behavior in every aspect of work with children, families, staff, and community members. 
• Energetically engages people, issues, and work.
• Applies the highest ethical standards to themselves and others on a daily basis. 
• Supports others in their efforts to be productive and effective and succeed in work and life.
• Actively participates in teambuilding, which includes sharing ideas and mutual support of team members. 
• Consistently uses interpersonal skills that are appropriate for individual styles, personalities, cultures, the nature of the work, and the environment in which the work is being done. 
• Practices honest, respectful, and direct communication as well as active listening. 
• Excellent organizational skills.

 EMPLOYMENT SCREENING

Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening. Must have maintained a clear criminal history for a minimum of five years to meet childcare licensing criteria.