Assistant Cook - Temp

ECS4KIDS•Harlem, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Cook supports preparation, transportation, and service of nutritious meals and snacks for children in accordance with USDA/CACFP guidelines and Head Start Performance Standards. The role helps maintain clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen and food service areas and transports food between assigned sites. The Assistant Cook also promotes healthy eating habits and supports a collaborative center environment. This is a temp-to-perm opportunity with ECS4Kids, a Head Start program serving families and caregivers in Georgia. The position is based in indoor classroom and kitchen settings and may involve noise, high activity levels, and exposure to cleaning chemicals. The employee must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds, frequently bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor, and stand and walk for extended periods. The employee must also be able to respond quickly and physically in emergencies.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid driver's license and ability to transport food between sites.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of proper cleaning techniques and food safety practices.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment.
Complete TB screening and physical before having direct contact with children, renewed every two years.
Current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete at least 10 hours of state-approved training within the first 90 days of employment, if applicable.
Complete 25 hours of annual training from January through December in topics related to nutrition and food safety, health and sanitation, child development, and USDA/CACFP compliance.
Complete an online Food Handlers course, such as Serving Safe Food in Childcare, within 90 days of employment.
Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds as needed.
Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and sitting on the floor.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the day.
Capacity to respond quickly and physically in emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 6 months of related food service experience.
Knowledge of USDA/CACFP meal patterns and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

Assist in preparing and serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks according to approved menus and USDA/CACFP requirements.
Support accommodations for special dietary needs and allergies as directed.
Ensure timely delivery of meals to classrooms and maintain appropriate portion sizes.
Help maintain cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen areas, equipment, and utensils.
Follow food safety procedures for food handling, storage, and temperature control.
Support completion of daily temperature logs and sanitation checklists.
Wash dishes and clean kitchen surfaces daily in accordance with health department standards.
Assist in monitoring food and supply inventory.
Help receive and inspect food deliveries for quality and accuracy.
Maintain stock of milk and paper products.
Support accurate records of meals served, food temperatures, and inventory.
Assist in submitting required documentation to the Nutrition Specialist or Center Manager.
Help review inspection reports and implement corrective actions as needed.
Safely transport prepared food between assigned sites while maintaining food safety standards.
Ensure food is delivered on time in appropriate containers to preserve temperature and quality.
Communicate regularly with center staff to coordinate meal service and classroom needs.
Participate in staff meetings and required training sessions.
Support the classroom as needed.
Perform other related duties as required.