Cook 2

Community Action Wayne Medina • Lodi, OH

5h

About The Position

Community Action Wayne Medina is recruiting for the position of Cook 2 to support our early childhood education programs serving families throughout Wayne and Medina counties. At CAWM, your work directly strengthens local families and advances our mission to engage the community with compassion while providing opportunities of hope that inspires individuals to reach their full potential. Employees are part of a collaborative, values-driven culture grounded in respect and accountability, with a four-day work week that supports meaningful work-life balance, a comprehensive benefits package, and professional development opportunities. If you are passionate about working with young children and want to make a lasting impact in your community, we invite you to consider this opportunity.

JOB SUMMARY: Prepare, deliver, and serve nutritious meals in accordance with approved menus and CACFP guidelines, supporting daily food service operations across Head Start sites. This role operates with increased independence in meal preparation, coordination, and kitchen operations, including transporting meals and assisting with service in classroom settings to ensure a safe and positive mealtime experience for children. Maintain and model proper sanitation and food safety practices in both kitchen and classroom environments, ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and all applicable Health Department, ODA, and FDA regulations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in food service, including hands-on food preparation, food ordering/receiving, inventory control, and adapting recipes to meet special dietary needs. Prior experience providing guidance or direction in a kitchen environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of safe food handling, sanitation, and general kitchen operations, with the ability to maintain compliance with all applicable food safety regulations.
• ServSafe Person-in-Charge (PIC)/Level II certification required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe as a condition of continued employment.
• Must possess a valid State of Ohio driver’s license, have reliable transportation, and remain insurable in accordance with the Agency’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team, maintain a positive attitude, and interact professionally with staff, children, and families.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff and the general public using empathy, courtesy, and good judgment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and remain calm under pressure.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, day-to-day decisions within established guidelines.
• Professional, dependable, and self-directed, with a commitment to the mission of Community Action Wayne/Medina.
• Basic computer skills sufficient to complete required documentation, training, and communication.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure the quality, timeliness, and efficiency of meal preparation, production, and delivery.
• Apply working knowledge of food service procedures to guide daily activities, provide direction to others as needed, and ensure compliance with all safety, health, and sanitation regulations.
• Plan, prepare, and coordinate the delivery of meals in accordance with approved menus, including accommodations for children with disabilities, food allergies, special dietary needs, and cultural preferences.
• Ensure safe and sanitary food preparation, handling, and transportation at all times; identify and report equipment or facility repair needs to the Nutrition Manager.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including food production records, temperature logs, sanitation logs, and transport documentation.
• Complete inventory activities as assigned and support ordering processes to ensure adequate food and supply levels.
• Ensure family-style meal service is implemented appropriately and that all equipment and dinnerware at center locations are properly maintained and accounted for.
• Review menus in advance of food preparation to ensure readiness, accuracy, and appropriate substitutions as needed.
• Pick up groceries and supplies and submit receipts and completed purchase orders in accordance with established procedures; coordinate routine orders (e.g., milk, bread, water) as needed.
• Share and apply information related to children’s special dietary needs and communicate necessary updates to the Nutrition Manager to ensure appropriate meal modifications.
• Utilize feedback from staff and children to support continuous improvement of food service delivery.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with center staff, families, and local health department representatives.
• Maintain current knowledge of food preparation, safety, and regulatory requirements through ongoing training and professional development.
• Support a safe environment for children and staff by following all agency safety procedures and ensuring compliance within the kitchen and service areas.
• Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employees are part of a collaborative, values-driven culture grounded in respect and accountability, with a four-day work week that supports meaningful work-life balance, a comprehensive benefits package, and professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees