Job Description

Job Location: Mary Holland Campus (Headquarters) - Omaha, NE 68132Cook - Food Services
- Location: 4545 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68132 & 6908 Mercy Road Omaha, NE 68106
- Pay: $19.00
- Schedule: Monday-Friday / 8:00 - 4:00
About CSI
Founded in Omaha in 1892, Child Saving Institute (CSI) has championed children and families for over a century. By prioritizing the well-being of children, we empower them to thrive emotionally, mentally, and physically.
We’re looking for someone with a passion for making a difference! Join our mission to champion what’s best for each child and family.
Job Purpose: The Cook supports daily food service operations by preparing, serving, and storing nutritious, child-friendly meals in accordance with USDA CACFP guidelines, health department regulations, and Child Saving Institute standards. This role ensures safe food handling, accurate documentation, and timely meal service that supports children’s health, development, and learning.
Essential Job Duties:
Meal Preparation & Service
- Prepare meals and snacks following approved menus, recipes, and portion sizes for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
- Cook foods to required internal temperatures and verify doneness using calibrated thermometers.
- Assist with batch cooking, holding, cooling, reheating, and safe food storage.
- Portion and stage meals for classroom delivery or family-style service.
- Present meals in an appealing, developmentally appropriate, and child-friendly manner.
Food Safety, Sanitation & Quality
- Follow food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards, including proper handwashing, glove use, hair restraints, and illness reporting.
- Maintain clean food preparation, service, and storage areas throughout the shift.
- Wash, rinse, and sanitize dishes, utensils, equipment, and carts as scheduled.
- Sanitize counters, preparation surfaces, and cooking equipment after use.
Allergy & Special Diet Support
- Follow allergy and special diet lists provided by the Lead Cook or Food Services Coordinator.
- Prepare, label, and deliver meals accurately for children with allergies, medical needs, or cultural/religious dietary accommodations.
- Follow cross-contact prevention procedures and report concerns immediately.
Documentation & Compliance
- Accurately complete assigned documentation, including temperature logs, cleaning logs, production records, and USDA food records.
- Track inventory and follow First-In, First-Out (FIFO) rotation procedures.
- Assist with daily meal counts and reconciliation with classroom attendance.
- Utilize required systems and tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Brightwheel, PathSpot) as trained.
Inventory & Receiving Support
- Assist with receiving food and supply deliveries, verifying quantities, quality, and temperatures.
- Properly label, date, store, and rotate food and supplies.
- Communicate shortages, spoilage, waste, or product concerns to the supervisor promptly.
Teaching & Child Engagement (As Appropriate)
- Support age-appropriate food and nutrition learning activities when directed.
- Communicate with children using clear, developmentally appropriate language.
- Ensure child safety during food-related interactions.
Professionalism & Teamwork
- Work cooperatively with kitchen staff, classroom staff, and leadership.
- Report to shifts, meetings, and trainings on time.
- Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
- Follow all Child Saving Institute policies, procedures, and standards.
- Demonstrate respect and sensitivity to cultural, socioeconomic, and family diversity.
- Represent CSI and its programs in a positive and professional manner.
Other Duties:
- Complete required training necessary for job performance and professional growth.
- Assist with additional duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.

QualificationsTo be able to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Education & Experience
•    High School diploma or equivalent required.
•    Minimum of six (6) months of cooking or food service experience required.
•    Experience in childcare, nonprofit, school, healthcare, or institutional food service preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
•    Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, USDA CACFP guidelines and child nutrition standards.
•    Ability to prepare meals safely while working in an active, child-focused environment.
•    Basic math skills for measurements, portioning, and inventory.
•    Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
•    Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
•    Patient, dependable, emotionally stable, and non-judgmental.
•    Ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
Vehicle Requirements:
•    Own transportation that meets agency vehicle inspection requirements.
•    Valid driver’s license with no more than 3 points.
•    Proof of insurance that meets agency requirements.
•    Ability to complete defensive driver training class.
Environment:
•    Kitchen-based work involving utensils, appliances, and exposure to heat and cold.
•    Noise level is usually moderate and occasionally loud.
•    May include limited classroom interaction; Universal Precautions must be followed when exposure to bodily fluids occurs.
Physical Requirements: 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. Work conditions are those typically encountered on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical requirements include:
•    Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
•    Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds.
•    Ability to use hands and arms for food preparation and equipment operation.
•    Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
•    Ability to work actively in environments with children.
Child Saving Institute (CSI) is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals and takes steps to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.