Assistant Cook

The Senior Programs Assistant Cook supports Central Kitchen operations by assisting with food preparation, menu execution, inventory control, and meal distribution for Senior Programs, Early Childhood sites, and the Summer Food Service Program. This role ensures the safe, accurate, and timely preparation and delivery of meals while adhering to food safety standards, reporting requirements, and program guidelines. The Assistant Cook plays a critical role in maintaining high-quality nutrition services for Pike County residents.

Central Kitchen Operations

Estimated Effort: 70%

• Ensure each Early Childhood site receives daily food supplies for breakfast, lunch, and snacks, packed properly and in compliance with required temperature procedures.

• Accurately complete Early Childhood Production Forms on a daily basis.

• Work collaboratively with Early Childhood site supervisors to monitor and manage site food inventory.

• Assist with planning, development, and production of Early Childhood menus.

• Ensure Summer Food Service Program sites receive daily food and supplies.

• Assist the Senior Programs Lead Cook with food preparation, including accurately reading and converting recipes for large-quantity meal production.

• Serve as backup to the Senior Programs Lead Cook as assigned.

• Perform regular kitchen equipment maintenance and cleaning duties as assigned.

• Assist with ensuring all kitchen staff adhere to food safety guidelines, sanitation standards, and program procedures.

• Assist with oversight and completion of daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen cleaning schedules.

• Maintain required certifications and attend training in accordance with Senior Programs policies, food safety guidance, and funding requirements.

Inventory, Ordering, and Reporting

Estimated Effort: 20%

• Assist the Senior Programs Lead Cook in tracking perpetual inventory and ordering necessary kitchen supplies and food products.

• Assist with entering daily perpetual inventory of products used and received.

• Maintain responsibility for inventory related to Early Childhood and Summer Food Service Programs.

• Monitor product use and rotate inventory using the First In / First Out (FIFO) method.

• Ensure accurate and timely monthly reporting of Early Childhood Program meals.

• Ensure products used are documented and correctly coded to the appropriate programs in Allocation.

• Complete Early Childhood bread order forms and daily meal counts for monthly reporting.

• Ensure accurate and timely daily meal reporting for the Summer Food Service Program.

Agency Service and Collaboration

Estimated Effort: 10%

• Participate in CAC committee assignments and other agency service duties as assigned.

• Serve as a liaison between clients, Early Childhood programs, and Senior Programs to support coordinated service delivery.

Minimum Requirements

Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent.

Job-Related Experience:

• Minimum of one (1) year of food service experience

• Valid Ohio driver’s license with a clean driving record

• Reliable transportation

• Insurable under agency insurance policy

• Completion of required program-related and criminal background checks

People Skills:

• Friendly, professional, and courteous demeanor

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Licenses, Certifications, and Accreditations:

• ServSafe Certification required within six (6) months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Current ServSafe Certification

• Experience working with Early Childhood Programs

• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office

• Experience with catering or preparing large quantities of food

Working Conditions

This position operates in a commercial kitchen and field environment. Duties require standing for long periods, frequent lifting (up to 40 pounds), and working in hot conditions. The role involves driving in variable weather conditions and entering and exiting vehicles multiple times daily. The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases and environmental conditions, including pests such as bed bugs.