Assistant Cook

Save the Children 2022•Jennings, LA

About The Position

The Assistant Cook/Food Transporter assists with ordering, preparing, serving, and documenting meals and snacks for children in the Head Start and/or Early Head Start program. The role supports kitchen operations, including inventory control, food processing and storage, cleanliness, and compliance with health and food-safety requirements. Food is prepared for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children in accordance with approved menus, USDA/CACFP requirements, Head Start standards, and applicable regulations. The position may be reassigned to different kitchens or centers based on program needs. The role also safely transports meals to satellite program sites, follows delivery schedules, monitors food temperatures, conducts vehicle inspections, and maintains communication with site offices while in the field. As a front-line representative of Save the Children, the employee is responsible for protecting the safety and security of children and families and representing the agency’s values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of related experience.
Demonstrated experience working in a food-service environment.
Proven teamwork and customer-service orientation.
Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
Organizational skills, ability to manage time independently, and attention to cleanliness.
Ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels, internally and externally.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Valid driver's license.
At least 21 years of age.
Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 5–10 pounds constantly; duties may include sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping.
Ability to perform repetitive actions and motions and use a keyboard and computer.
Must meet pre-employment background-check requirements, including applicable criminal-record, sex-offender-registry, employment, and education checks, and child-abuse registry checks where required.
Must pass applicable state and local health requirements after receiving a job offer and before employment.
Must operate a motor vehicle for essential job functions and comply with agency policies for safe vehicle operation.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food-safety requirements.
General bookkeeping skills.
Experience meeting Health Department regulations, USDA requirements, and Head Start standards.
Experience with CACFP.
SERV Safe certification.

Responsibilities

Prepare food for children with special needs, restricted diets, medical issues, or disabilities in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
Prepare and serve meals and snacks according to approved menus, standardized recipes, CACFP meal requirements, and appropriate serving portions.
Support food presentation and freshness, and help ensure meals are prepared as planned.
Assist with kitchen operations and may supervise volunteer assistants depending on workload.
Maintain food-service inventory and help process and store delivered food and related items.
Help complete CACFP production books and other required documentation accurately each day.
Receive, inspect, and verify food, food-related items, and kitchen inventory when the Head Cook is absent.
Help operate a cost-effective food-service program and control food and labor costs.
Attend child nutrition and other required program meetings.
Deliver meals to satellite Head Start sites according to the program schedule and remain in close contact with site offices while in the field.
Conduct daily pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and maintain a clean, safe transporter vehicle.
Monitor food temperatures and follow health and safety standards during delivery, including transport to and from vehicles and classrooms.
Report accidents or incidents to the supervisor immediately.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the manager.

Benefits

Paid time off, including 10 days of winter break, 5 days of spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays, and 2 floating holidays per year.
Health, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability benefits.
Health Savings Account option for employees enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan, with the employer matching a portion of the employee contribution.
Health-care and dependent-care Flexible Spending Account options.
Agency-paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
Parental and adoption benefits and fertility benefits.
Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
Retirement savings plan with employer contributions after one year.
Health and wellness support through Calm and company-hosted events.
Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
Access to internal and external learning and development opportunities and mentorships.
Certification and tuition assistance.