Kitchen Technician

Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR HEAD START KITCHEN TECHNICIAN

Status:  Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act                                           

Pay Rate:  $13.00 hour.                        Hours: 6.50 daily (250 days, 1,625 hours annually)

Supervisory Relationships:  Directly supervised by the School Supervisor.  Position does not have supervisory duties. Will receive general instructions from the Chef.

Purpose:  The purpose of the Head Start Kitchen Technician is to provide nutritious meals that meet the Performance Standards and CACFP guidelines. Assists with nutrition activities in the classroom as assigned.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

1.            Responsible for assisting with timely food preparation. In chef’s absence, will see that meals are prepared and served on time. Maintains records of meal service, food purchased, and inventory as assigned.

2.            Assists classroom staff in nutrition education activities. Eats family-style meals with children and classroom staff.  Serves food as assigned. Rotates to eat with all classrooms.

3.            Assists in the purchasing and distribution of groceries. Will compile shopping list based on menus, separate the bill into categories, and record all meal service components.

4.            Cleans dishes, equipment, and kitchen daily with bleach water. Complies with all applicable sanitation practices. Deep cleans kitchen, including ovens, ranges, freezers, refrigerators as scheduled.

5.            Assists in stocking the pantry, refrigerators, and freezers ensuring food is dated and rotated with first in, first out. Will attend CACFP workshops. Will complete online training on nutrition.

6.            Attends all parent center committee meetings when requested. Helps mobilize parent interest. Assists in recruiting volunteers to participate in center activities.

7.            Recruits volunteers and donations from the families and community. Ensures proper paperwork is completed and given to supervisor.

8.            Other related duties as assigned.

Performance Expectations:

1.            Confidentiality of client information is essential.

2.            Enforces safety and sanitation rules and procedures. Follows other safety rules such as wearing closed-toe shoes (no sandals), no false fingernails due to potential bacteria, and various other program procedures.

3.            Comply with program and licensing guidelines. Abides by SOCAG Personnel Policies and adheres to Performance Standards.

4.            Prepares food that is nutritious, tastes good, and meets required regulations. Timely preparation is expected as well as accurate recordkeeping and reporting.

5.            Attend training as required. Must maintain any training or certification requirements.

6.            Must be able to work with children up to age 5 from a variety of backgrounds, including children who have disabilities. Able to relate to problems of low-income and minority families.

Qualifications:

1.            High School Diploma or GED plus some experience in food service preparation and sanitation practices.  

2.            Able to meet local and/or state sanitation rules for working in a kitchen. Able to obtain a Food Handler’s Permit.

3.            Skill in recordkeeping. Must be able to keep written documentation.

4.            Transportation to meet job requirements. Prefer Oklahoma driver’s license with state minimum vehicle insurance.

5.            Annual Tuberculin screen is required or as directed by a medical professional. Initial physical is required.

6.            Negative pre-employment drug screen prior to employment with a current photo identification. During employment, employees are subject to drug testing according to SOCAG Personnel Policies.

7.            Criminal background checks with fingerprinting are required and performed according to Oklahoma statutes and any program regulations.

Working Conditions:

1.            Kitchen conditions also include standing for long periods, lifting food supplies and large pots and pans, and working in above average temperatures due to the use of commercial ranges and ovens. Cleaning includes the use of a bleach solution. There is no light duty work available for this position.

2.            Must be able to interact and relate to children in a positive manner.

3.            Must have flexible availability to meet scheduling needs. May be assigned to another center temporarily to meet program needs.

4.            Travel to purchase food and supplies is required in the absence of the cook. Occasional travel is required for training and can include some evenings, weekends, and overnight travel.

Salary : $13