Head Start Cook

We are seeking a dependable and organized Cook to support the nutrition component of the Head Start program by preparing meals, maintaining kitchen operations, and ensuring compliance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.

• Serve meals each day and complete breakfast and lunch preparation.
• Order and receive food for the location and carefully check deliveries against invoices.
• Note quantities and items delivered on invoices and report deficiencies.
• Deliver invoices and receipts weekly to the Nutrition Manager.
• Purchase economical, high-quality foods consistent with program purchasing policies.
• Provide for proper food storage under the supervision of the Nutrition Manager.
• Maintain a sanitary, attractive kitchen meeting federal and state interagency day care standards.
• Prepare food in a manner that retains nutritional value, is appealing to children, and follows cycle menus as developed.
• Cooperate with the Nutrition Manager, Site Supervisor, Family Advocates, and Teachers in providing nutrition education for children, Head Start parents, and staff.
• Maintain required reports and records including food purchases, inventory, food production, menu changes, and meal counts.
• Maintain a current inventory of food-service equipment, supplies, and food items while staying within budget.
• Requisition equipment as needed and report repairs to the Facilities/Maintenance Manager.
• Participate in in-service training sessions.
• Work with all staff on special nutrition problems.
• Monitor mealtime needs and ensure food is prepared and ready to serve.
• Wash pots, pans, plates, bowls, and other kitchen items daily.
• Assist with special functions involving food service, including open house and parent education meetings.
• Work with special needs children and their families in a non-discriminatory, supportive manner.
• Purchase and transport groceries and carry heavy items/groceries to the kitchen.
• Use standard kitchen equipment and commercial equipment safely.
• Follow Head Start dress code and maintain kitchen safety standards.
• Welcome families to participate in classroom, home, and community learning activities and encourage volunteer participation in the program.
• Encourage parents, families, and community members to support the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind).

Education and Experience Requirements:

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
• Must agree to pre-employment background check.
• Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license and available transportation for work-related duties with mileage reimbursed.
• Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
• Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.

Experience in food service and/or childcare preferred

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Our employees have access to:

• Up to 14 paid holidays per year
• Sick leave and Personal time
• Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan
• Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System
• Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.