Cook - Phoenix/Talent

COOK

Full-Time, Excellent Benefits and Paid Time Off

Starting Wage: $19.58 per hour

PURPOSE:

The Cook serves as a role model for nutritious meal preparation,good attitudes toward food safe and sanitary habits. This position prepares and serves meals thatare attractive, appealing and flavorful that comply with Child and Adult CareFood Program requirements and the Agency requirements. The Cook educates staff and families on thenutritional needs of children 0-5 and support age appropriate feedingpractices. This position is responsiblefor meeting Head Start performance standards, following the Agency policies andprocedures, and following Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

I. MEALS/FOOD

A. Prepare nutritious and appealing meals and snacks thatmeet the developmental and individual needs/interests of children 0-5,following CACFP guidelines.
• Work from written menu and standard recipes;
• Food is tasty and presented in an appetizingway;
• Prepare foods that are low in sugar, salt, fat,and advocate the Dietary Guidelines;
• Meals are planned and prepared for serving atspecified meal times.

B. Regularly plan and conduct nutrition activities withchildren.

C. Work with Head Start nutritionist regarding individualnutrition needs/problems of children.

D. Coordinate with center staff on planning of familydays, parent meetings and special events.

E. Assist in feeding of infants and toddlers in EHSsettings.

II. PURCHASING

A. Purchase all food and supplies for use in the kitchen,staying within the allotted budget.
• Do weekly inventory, ordering and receiving offood checking for accuracy and quality;
• Secure the best buys that meet requirements;
• Have designated Disaster and Crisis foodsupplies on hand.

III. SANITATION AND SAFETY

A. Follow and adhere to safe food handling and sanitationstandards according to program requirements and procedures.
• Follow suggestions or requirements of countysanitarian, i.e., following all applicable rules, regulations, and policies;
• Maintain a clean, safe environment in thekitchen and food storage areas at all times;
• Label cupboards and drawers;
• Wash all dishes, utensils and cookware followingestablished procedures;
• Maintain an orderly kitchen, containing onlyappropriate materials and equipment;
• Take all necessary precautions in foodpreparation to avoid health hazards.

B. Display required posters in appropriate areas.

C. Follow hand washing, first aid and other health andsafety routines in accordance with procedures.

IV. DOCUMENTATION/RECORD KEEPING

A. Complete paperwork accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate meal counts for all groupsserved;
• Maintain monthly tracking sheet for allexpenses;
• Maintain financial records, as required;
• Record all menu changes on monthly menu andrecipe used;
• Record refrigerator/freezer temperatures daily;
• Record food temperatures at all meals;
• In Early Head Start (EHS) settings, maintaininfant production records in accordance with procedures.

V. KITCHEN WORKERS

A. Direct/oversee and train all workers in the kitchen.
• Cook Assistant, Dishwasher, Volunteer

B. Schedule kitchen work schedules and assignments.

VI. INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN, PARENTS, AND CO-WORKERS

A. Must relate in a positive, nurturing way, both verballyand physically, and be sensitive to the needs of children, parents and co-workers.

B. Must use quick, safe reactions and responses in dealingwith children or situations that involve children.

VII. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

A. Maintain a safe and pleasant work environment.

B. Follow safety regulations, policies, and procedures.

C. Actively contribute towards promoting a safeworkplace/environment.

VIII. OTHERDUTIES

May be assigned other relatedduties as appropriate and within the scope of general responsibilities for thisposition. However, this job description in no way states or implies that theseare the only duties that may need to be performed by the employee fulfillingthis position. This job description describes the general nature and level ofwork, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities andduties which may be required.

REQUIRED JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education : None required

Experience : One year of experience cooking and foodpreparation required. Food service, management and buying experience preferred.

Certificationor Accreditation : FoodHandlers Certification and Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certification required. (Certifications can be obtained at Head Startafter hire.)

EssentialSkills : Excellent verbal andwritten English language communication skills. Ability to accurately managefood budget. Ability to proficiently manage inventory and purchasing. Sufficient math skills to measure, figuremeasurement conversion and multiply ingredient amounts. Ability to complete food preparation withinthe required time frames. Ability to read, write, and communicateeffectively in English to understand and follow procedures, ensure safety, andcomplete required documentation related to the position.

EssentialMental Abilities : Must haveknowledge of state food sanitation regulations. Ability to multitask; exerciselogical judgment, analyze, organize and prioritize. Ability to work as a teammember and to be self-directed. Ability to maintain confidential information.

EssentialPhysical Requirements : This position is classified as Center-Facing.Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. a distance of 25 feet and to pushand/or pull up to 40 lbs. a distance of 20 yards. Sufficient mobility,strength, and range of motion to perform standing, walking, balancing,stooping, bending, crouching, crawling, sitting on the floor, reaching,squatting or kneeling, twisting, and ascending or descending steps. Ability toreact quickly to the physical actions of children. Ability to sit for extendedperiods of time as required by the position. Sufficient stamina to perform jobduties at the required frequency. Sufficient vision, hearing, manual dexterity,and eye-hand coordination to perform job duties safely and effectively. Thesephysical requirements reflect the maximum potential demands of working in acenter-based setting and are not indicative of continuous lifting or carrying.

ExposureHazards : Hazardouschemicals, kitchen equipment, hot water, contagious conditions, work with personalcomputer, and driving and riding in motor vehicles and school buses.

WorkingConditions : Work in kitchensand preschool centers, frequent local travel and occasional out-of-town travel.

EMPLOYMENT CONTINGENT UPON:

Pre-employmenthealth screening as required by Agency and position (may include, but is notlimited to: drug screening, occupational health screening and/or functionaltesting)

CentralBackground Registry enrollment

Three(3) year DMV court print driving record

ValidOregon driver's license

Proofof current personal automobile insurance in accordance with Agency policy

Approval todrive from Agency insurance carrier - requires at least 21 years of age

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