Cook I - HS

North Coast Opportunities, Inc.•Ukiah, CA

6d•$21 - $28

About The Position

The Cook I works collaboratively as part of a Head Start or Early Head Start team to provide food service at one or more sites, following Child Care Food Program guidelines and Head Start Performance Standards. The position plans and prepares meals and snacks for children, accounts for dietary needs and restrictions, and coordinates with teaching staff on nutrition education activities. It may also provide classroom break relief or substitute coverage. For Early Head Start assignments, the cook prepares individualized meals for infants and follows procedures for bottle sanitation and preparation, breastmilk storage, and formula use. The role includes purchasing and transporting groceries and supplies within budget, tracking food and equipment inventory, maintaining kitchen sanitation and records, and sharing nutrition information with parents. Employees may need to work flexible hours for scheduled evening or weekend activities and travel during the day or night. Employment is contingent on health screening, required TB and immunization compliance, and criminal record clearance for licensed childcare work.

Requirements

For Level I, complete 3 ECE/CDV or Nutrition/Culinary units within 12 months of hire.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Communicate clearly and professionally in English, verbally and in writing.
Plan and prepare wholesome, nutritionally balanced meals using guidelines and requirements.
Know large-scale food preparation and cooking methods and related sanitation regulations and practices.
Have math skills sufficient to perform the duties of the position.
Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally sensitive manner and work effectively with children, parents, and other adults from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.
Work as part of a team and independently; adapt to changing program needs.
Maintain confidential information and records, handle sensitive situations appropriately, and accurately prepare records and reports by hand or computer.
Be willing and able to work flexible hours for scheduled evening or weekend activities as needed.
For work-related driving, have a current valid California driver's license, a safe driving record verified by DMV, and proof of personal automobile insurance, or reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
Complete the pre-employment health screening and meet TB testing, regulatory immunization, and vaccination requirements for Head Start and licensed childcare work.
Obtain criminal record clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.
Meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing, bending, reaching, walking, climbing or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; lifting or moving up to 25 pounds unassisted and occasionally heavier materials with assistance.
Have the ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance, with access to an insured vehicle.
Use kitchen equipment and implements, including items that may be heavy, hot, or sharp, and cleaning and sanitizing products.

Nice To Haves

ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Food Manager certification.
At least 15 hours of Child Health and Safety training and current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification.
General understanding of food values and nutrition.
Prior use of Microsoft Office 365.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
For Levels II and III, 6 ECE/CDV units or 6 units in Nutrition, Culinary, or a related field; two years of experience as an HSCDP Cook or in a comparable commercial or institutional cooking environment is required for those levels.

Responsibilities

Plan and prepare meals and snacks using provided menus and Child Care Food Program guidelines, taking children's dietary needs and restrictions into account.
Purchase and transport groceries and supplies as needed within established budget limits.
Maintain accurate inventories of food and supplies, including emergency food and substitute meals.
Serve meals and snacks on schedule and in an appealing manner, involving children in setup and service when appropriate.
Keep kitchen labels current so food, supplies, and equipment can be located by staff and volunteers.
Complete required kitchen and food-service forms and reports.
Maintain a sanitary kitchen by completing scheduled daily and weekly cleaning duties.
Complete an annual equipment inventory and notify the Nutrition Coordinator about needed supplies or equipment.
Provide classroom break relief or substitute coverage when assigned.
Provide nutrition information and recipes to parents and update the nutrition bulletin board monthly.
Promptly inform the Site Supervisor of concerns, observations, or information shared by a parent or guardian.
Use bilingual Spanish/English skills for job duties as needed to support clients and staff.
Attend required staff meetings, in-service training, and conferences.
Generate, collect, and document Non-Federal Share Match.
For Early Head Start assignments, follow infant meal records to prepare individualized meals for children under one year old and follow procedures for bottle sanitation and preparation, breastmilk storage, and formula mixing and use.
Follow agency and program safety and confidentiality policies, report to work on time, maintain focus, and contribute to a respectful and positive work environment.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.