Assistant Cook

Save the Children US•Alexandria, LA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Cook/Food Transporter will assist in ordering, preparing, serving and documenting meals and snacks for children served in the Head Start and/or Early Head Start program, following menus and all phases of kitchen operations including inventory control. You will contribute to smooth flow of operations in the assigned kitchen, and to the functioning of the kitchen in adherence to health and food safety codes and the strict cleanliness of the kitchen and food service and storage areas, preparing foods for infants and toddlers and/or preschool children following the USDA/CACFP and Head Start standards. This position may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as deemed necessary for program operations. You will assist in ordering, preparing, serving and documenting meals and snacks, and will be responsible for safely transporting meals to program satellite sites. This position may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as deemed necessary for program operations. As a front-line representative of Save the Children, you are required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she encounters and represents the agency values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, plus at least two (2) years of related experience
Demonstrated experience working in a food service environment
Proven teamwork and successful customer service orientation
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English
Demonstrated organizational skills, self-management of time and overall cleanliness
Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels, both internal and external
Demonstrated ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
Must have a valid driver's license
Must be at least 21 years of age

Nice To Haves

Proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements is a plus
General bookkeeping skills are a plus
Previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards is preferred
Previous experience working with CACFP is preferred
Certification in SERV Safe is preferred

Responsibilities

Prepares food to meet the needs of children with special needs, restricted diets, medical issues or disabilities; ensures that specifications are met in accordance to Save the Children policies, State Regulations, OHS and CACFP/USDA
Prepares and serves food and assists in any food related activities as directed and menus as approved by registered dietician/nutritionist.
Prepares and serves all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness
Assists Head Cook with overseeing full kitchen operations and may supervise volunteer assistants (depending on size of workload)
Assists with maintenance of inventory for food service operations
Assists with the processing and storage of food and food related items as they are delivered
Assists with ensuring that standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food and serving proportions are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements
Assists with ensuring production books for CACFP and documents are completed accurately daily
Attends child nutrition meetings and required program meetings.
Receives, inspects and verifies delivery of food, food related items and all kitchen/food inventory in absence of Head cook.
Implements a cost-effective food service program, according to federal, state and local regulations that is a financially successful operation by helping to control food and labor costs
Performs any other relevant duties as assigned by manager
Delivers meals to satellite Head Start Program sites
Keeps in close contact with the site office while in the field
Conducts pre- and post- inspections of vehicle daily
Ensures health and safety standards are followed at all times of deliveries (to and from vehicle and to and from classrooms), by maintaining and monitoring the food temperatures before and after deliveries
Reports all accidents or incidents to the supervisor immediately
Provides a clean and safe environment inside and outside of the transporter vehicle
Maintains and follows delivery schedule as set by program management
Helps prepare food to meet the needs of children with special needs, restricted diets, medical issues or disabilities; ensures that specifications are met in accordance to Save the Children policies as well as state and federal regulations
Helps serve all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness
Assists with overseeing full kitchen operations
Receives, inspects and verifies delivery of food, food related items and all kitchen/food inventory in absence of Head Cook
Implements a cost-effective food service program, according to federal, state and local regulations that is a financially successful operation by helping to control food and labor costs
Performs any other relevant duties as assigned by manager

Benefits

Paid time off: 10 days winter break and 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.
Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
Employers paid short term disability and long-term disability benefits.
Option to select HSA if enrolled into a High-Deductible Health Plan in which the company matches a portion of its contribution.
Option to enroll in health care and dependent care options.
Agency paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits (AD&D).
Parental/adoption, fertility benefits
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year)
Health benefits and support through Calm and company-hosted events
Free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services
Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.