Position: CookReporting to: HS Principal Location: 40 LCContract Terms: 212 daysFTE: 1.0Valley Collaborative is a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved public school entity. Valley also provides Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) programs for individuals with disabilities over the age of 18. Valley provides a robust pathway for students to continue their careers beyond high school by providing high quality academic, therapeutic, and vocational services to individuals referred by both local school districts and SSA, DDS, MCB and MRC. We provide programming so students and individuals with disabilities can reach their educational and/or occupational goals. By sharing its resources with multiple school districts and social service agencies, Valley programs are able to maintain superior quality at reasonable costs to all those it serves while meeting or exceeding state standards.Essential Functions of the Job:This role participates in the preparation and serving of all food in the cafeteria, including breakfast and lunch, according to a fixed budget and following guidelines on nutrition and healthy eating. This role is also responsible to collaborate on menu development, maintain inventory, and to perform all duties following health, food service, government, and other regulations. This essential team member must demonstrate a positive and caring attitude and remain flexible, patient, and adaptable in order to meet the needs of the students/staff. Qualifications:•Must hold valid ServSafe Certification; preferred areas of certification include Food Handler, Manager, and Allergen Awareness•Knowledge of inventory and cost control•General knowledge of the best methods to prepare food•At least 3 years experience in the role, or a similar role, of kitchen/cafeteria manager•Experience working with students and adults with special needs preferred•Ability to teach, mentor, coach, and advocate for students and adult with special needsResponsibilities:•Directs and assists in the preparation of food portions and prepares for the serving of all food (breakfast and lunch) in the cafeteria.•Directs sanitation procedures•Inspects the kitchen, cooking and mixing utensils for cleanliness and sanitary purposes.•Plans, directs, and supervises cleaning schedules for the eating area of the kitchen/cafeteria.•Assumes responsibility for the requisition & security of food and supplies. •Performs related duties as required including duties at special meal functions.•Responsible to collaborate in placing food orders in line with fixed budget•Correctly completes, in a timely manner, and keeps reports and documents pertinent to food services•Exhibit courtesy and understanding to workers, staff and customers•Collaborating on menu development for a large volume of consumers•Having a working knowledge of all kitchen equipment and devices and shows ability to maintain this equipment.•Ensuring that meal service deadlines are met during the school day through proper assignment of personnel to job tasking.•Model positive work ethic on the job through taking break and lunch with the workers and assisting them in being integrated in the kitchen/cafeteria•Participate in staff meetings and in-service training as requested•All other duties as assignedPhysical Demands:•Constant standing or walking.•Requires ability to lift up to 50 pounds.•Bends, reaches, lifts, carries, twists, pushes, pulls, and handles equipment when performing duties.•Repetitive wrist/arm movements when on vocational site.•Manual and finger dexterity and motor coordination are necessary when on vocational site.•Able to reach and operate equipment and systems safely and effectively.•School cafeteria or large batch food experienceOther Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior):•Ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions.•Adaptability to perform routine, repetitive tasks within a specific period of time.•Prioritizes work assignments to be completed within time requirements.•Must demonstrate a positive and caring attitude toward residents and staff.•Must remain flexible and adaptable in order to meet department needs.•A strong commitment to the goals, mission, and philosophy of the organization.Valley Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Valley Collaborative is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, limited English speaking ability, or homelessness, as defined by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.