Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Head Start Health Department

POSITION TITLE: Cook

LOCATION: As assigned to site

STATUS: Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Food Service Supervisor

Prepare and serve meals and snacks to children and teaching staff in center-based sites. Prepare meals for special events such as parent meetings and policy council. Maintain a high standard of sanitation, cleanliness, and safety in the preparation, handling, and storage of food, as well in equipment and storage areas.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or High School Equivalency
• One year of experience cooking in food service setting
• Valid ServSafe Certificate and Allergen Awareness Certificate

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare all meals and snacks in accordance with program policies, state and federal regulations.
• Follow menu and recipes as planned. When changes need to be made to the menu, consults in advance with Cook Coordinator or Nutrition Specialist.
• In collaboration with the Nutrition Specialist, adheres to diet modifications and allergy action plans in accordance with documented requirements.
• Complete daily production logs and other paperwork required by the program.
• Order food and supplies necessary for production and sanitation.
• Load and unload food for delivery.
• Conduct regular inspections of kitchen and storage areas, ensuring a high level of sanitation, safety, and cleanliness.
• Assist in the training of kitchen assistants and substitute kitchen personnel.
• Attend all program trainings and meetings
• Remote work available complying with the agency’s policy.
• Required to travel regularly throughout the Service area, to all Community Action sites and service locations, and occasionally out of the service area.
• Maintains strictest confidentiality.
• Comply with agency and funders’ paperwork requirements and procedures
• Attend regularly scheduled supervision meetings, team meetings, mandatory agency trainings, and participate in professional development activities.
• Performs related work as required.

This does not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may be adjusted to meet the operational needs of the agency.

Requirements

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• (Proficient)Basic computer skills: using a mouse, email, Microsoft office
• Excellent verbal (in-person and phone) and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Understanding of data capture and tracking methods.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic diversity and the needs of individuals with low incomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.
• Understanding of/willingness to learn & advocate for trauma-Informed and equitable practices
• Understanding of/willingness to learn and create community responsiveness to poverty’s effect on individuals and families

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described below 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.

• Requires sitting for long periods of time.
• Working in office/kitchen environment.
• Some bending and stretching required.
• Extensive use of telephone required.
• Manual dexterity required for use of calculator and computer keyboard.
• Must be able to lift from 50 lbs.

AA/EOE/ADA

Employment is contingent upon the following: a satisfactory Background Record Check (BRC) which includes Criminal Offender Record (C.O.R.I.), Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check, Sex Offender Registry information (SORI) checks, fingerprint-based national and state criminal history database checks, National Sex Offender Registry (NCOR), and Out-of-State checks (CORI, SORI, DCF) if an individual has lived in another state within the last five years. BRC and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history check is completed every three years.

In addition, employment is contingent on evidence of physical exam within the past year, plus verification of MMRs. Documentation of subsequent physical exams must be submitted every 2 years. Also, submit evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under Community Action’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.