Temporary Assistant Cook

The Assistant Cook supports the daily preparation and delivery of nutritious meals and snacks for children enrolled in EPIC’s programs, which include preschool-aged children. This position ensures all food is prepared and served in accordance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, Performance Standards, and health and safety regulations. Working under the direction of Lead Cook the Assistant Cook helps maintain a clean and organized kitchen, assists with food inventory, and promotes a positive mealtime experience for young children that supports their growth and development. This role may also support classroom staff during meal service as needed.

Responsibilities:

Prepare meals according to approved menus and in compliance with USDA, Head Start, and other Child Development program requirements.
Wash dishes and prepare meal carts with the appropriate dishes, utensils, and serving supplies for each meal.
Follow approved menus, making substitutions only with authorization or as necessary during emergencies.
Store and dispose of food safely and appropriately to minimize waste and maintain food safety.
Portion meals according to USDA requirements and standardized recipes.
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen, food preparation, and storage areas in compliance with federal, state, and local health and safety regulations.
Assist the Lead Cook with receiving, inspecting, and properly storing food and kitchen supplies.
Work collaboratively with custodial staff to maintain kitchen equipment and food service areas; report repair and maintenance needs promptly.
Maintain accurate food safety logs and complete all required records by established deadlines.
Attend required trainings, staff meetings, and parent meetings; assist with meal preparation for program events as needed.
Perform Lead Cook duties as assigned to ensure continuity of food service operations.
Demonstrate EPIC's Core Values by maintaining professionalism, accountability, and compliance with program standards while promptly reporting concerns through appropriate channels and following the Speak Up, Speak Out guidelines.

Working Conditions/Physical/ Mental Abilities and Processes:
Work requires daily standing, sitting, walking, stooping, kneeling, lifting, twisting, turning, pushing, pulling, speaking, hearing, seeing and the ability to articulate clearly; use of hands to finger, bending and reaching.
Ability to feel or operate objects and equipment; reach with hands and arms.
Ability to work with personal computer for long periods of time.
Some travel to and from main office and training sites

Conditions of Employment:
Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) in Merit.
Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
Current Food Handlers card.
Current First Aid/CPR card.
Prior to the first day, complete Health & Safety training certificates through DCYF student training portal.
Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
CEO Approval.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of one year commercial food preparation work experience.
• Knowledge of quantity food preparation and ability to use a variety of food service equipment.
• Speak, read, and write English capably, maintain accurate records and competent in basic arithmetic.
• Ability to communicate for effective cooperation with food services and teaching staff. Maintain a positive rapport with all staff, children, and parents. Sensitivity to cultural, economic and language differences within program clients served.