Kitchen Staff (WYD)

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Early Care & Education (ECE) Kitchen Staff helps create a healthy and nurturing environment for all individuals in the Early Care & Education center.  This position plays a key role in providing healthy meals to develop the youth in our programs.  This s position will manage inventory, licensing and other regulatory requirements, and dietary restrictions.

OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.  We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | KITCHEN STAFF

1. Create a warm, welcoming environment for all.  Ensure the kitchen and shared spaces are inclusive and accessible.  Demonstrate kindness, respect and cultural sensitivity in all interactions
2. Prepare and serve meals and snacks for children and staff ensuring proper portioning.
3. Monitor food distribution, ensuring that meals are delivered to the correct recipients and that guidelines, such as those for special diets, are followed.  Ensure a NUT FREE kitchen.
4. Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen and food prep and food service areas including but not limited to:  kitchen area, other work areas, equipment, appliances, utensils, dishes, and other food service equipment.
5. Follow food safety and sanitation guidelines for food preparation, storage, and handling at all times.
6. Maintain inventory of food supplies including but not limited to: tracking inventory, ordering, picking up, scheduling delivery, managing expiration dates, etc…
7. Ensure all mandatory posters and food license are displayed at all times.
8. Maintain all documentation required by the Summit County Health Department and Ohio Department of Children and Youth regarding food service.
9. Maintain ServSafe Person in Charge Certification.
10. Maintain food service log to meet USDA CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) standards.
11. Attend staff meetings, workshops and conferences as requested or required.
12. Know and follow all state and center emergency policies and procedures. 
13. Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | FLOAT TEACHER

This position supports the overall classroom operations.  The KITCHEN STAFF may serve as a Float Teacher as needed.

1. Step into classrooms to cover breaks, absences, or busy periods
2. Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment
3. Assist lead teachers with activities, supervision, and daily routines
4. Build positive relationships with children, staff, and families
5. Adapt quickly to different classroom needs and schedules
6. Attentive, compassionate to all children
7. Daily routine support as needed
8. Follow all licensing, safety, and childcare guidelines

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | ABUSE PREVENTION

Upholding the YMCA’s commitment to the safety and well-being of youth in our programs is a core responsibility of all staff regardless of position.

1. Attend required abuse risk management training.
2. Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
3. Adhere to procedures related to managing and supervising high-risk activities.
4. Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
5. Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Communication & Influence:  Interprets messages and body language effectively.  Listens with intent to understand the perspective of others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions.
• Emotional Maturity:  Acts in alignment with organizational values in all situations.  Accepts responsibility for behavior.  Leads with Empathy, anticipation how actions and words impact others.
• Functional Expertise:  Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.  Uses best practices, guidelines, and industry standards as a framework to improve performance.  Demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in the technology associated with the job.  Serves with purpose and passion.
• Inclusion: Embraces all dimensions of diversity by treating all people with dignity, compassion, and respect.  Creates a safe environment in which others feel welcome and respected.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must qualify under ODJFS stipulations:
  • A high school diploma recognized by the state board of education or the appropriate agency of another state as equivalent to a high school education required.
  • Official college transcripts preferred.  
  • Each administrator, employee, and childcare staff member shall receive a medical examination from a licensed physician, a physician's assistant, advanced practice nurse or a certified nurse practitioner within twelve months prior to the first day of employment.
  • Complete ODJFS orientation training shall be completed within ninety days of starting employment at the center as a childcare staff member.
  • Complete FBI and BCI background checks.
• 2 years of food handling experience is preferred.
• ServSafe Person in Charge Certification
• Experience working with children is preferred.
• Must maintain professional appearance, strong communication, organization and administrative skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Ability to walk, stand, and sit for long periods of time
2. Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds
3. Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking
4. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate
5. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull trays of food
6. Exposure to heat for extended periods of time from ovens, stoves, hot water, dishwasher, & other kitchen appliances.
7. Works with sharp utensils such as knives and other hazardous kitchen tools
8. Noise level is typically moderate but can at times be loud.