Title VI Cook (Open Until Filled)

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma•Pawnee, OK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cook prepares, cooks, and serves meals for the Pawnee Nation Title VI program and is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen and dining room. The role emphasizes food safety, sanitation, product ordering, and cooking. Under the supervision of the Title VI Program Coordinator, the Cook also oversees kitchen staff during food preparation and service and may deliver meals to homebound clientele. The Cook develops nutritionally sound monthly menus for approval by the Pawnee Indian Health Center Nutritionist/Dietician, prepares main dishes in a timely manner, and follows applicable food-safety and sanitation requirements. The position maintains kitchen equipment, food and equipment temperature records, sanitation and safety logs, congregate meal counts, and inventory records. It also involves ordering food and paper supplies, reviewing the weekly schedule of events, and meeting the program clientele’s specific food requirements. Work is generally performed in a kitchen with moderate noise, regular interaction with the public and coworkers, tight time constraints, and multiple demands. Evening or weekend work may be required, and occasional outdoor work and travel for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events may occur. The employee must be available for flexible hours that may extend beyond the standard 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least one year of hands-on cooking experience for senior citizens and/or large groups of 30 or more people.
Possess a Food Handlers Permit or be willing to attend training to obtain one.
Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and in using standard office equipment.
Ability to provide high-level customer service and communicate effectively with elders, program clientele, the public, tribal members, employees, and other parties.
Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with coworkers and outside agencies.
Strong business writing, spelling, grammar, and arithmetic skills.
Ability to plan menus and prepare, store, and deliver food.
Ability to provide compassionate care respectful of Native American customs, traditions, and beliefs.
Basic understanding of client rights and responsibilities, including confidentiality requirements.
Ability to analyze situations and choose appropriate courses of action; be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations; meet deadlines; adapt to changing priorities; and work under pressure.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and work independently.
Ability to comprehend and apply Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) and Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) guidelines.
Ability to work effectively with people from varying social and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to pass a background screening.
Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and insurability with Pawnee Nation’s insurance carrier.
Availability for flexible hours, potentially beyond the standard 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule.
Ability to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel items, reach, talk, hear, and regularly stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Nutrition, Culinary Arts, or a related field.
Three years of institutional cooking experience, culinary skills, and knowledge of food safety and sanitation.

Responsibilities

Develop nutritionally sound monthly menus for approval by the Pawnee Indian Health Center Nutritionist/Dietician.
Prepare main dishes for each meal in a timely manner.
Oversee kitchen staff during food preparation and service.
Follow USDA Food Safety Guidelines and applicable requirements for safe food handling, cooking, storage, and sanitation, including HACCP, COSHH, FDA, FSIS, and NIOSH requirements.
Sanitize cooking equipment, utensils, food preparation areas, and dining areas.
Ensure kitchen equipment is in safe working order.
Maintain food and equipment temperature records, sanitation and safety logs, congregate meal counts, and daily freezer and refrigerator temperature sheets.
Order food supplies weekly as needed and maintain accurate inventory records for food and paper supplies.
Review the weekly schedule of events and ensure food-related activities are carried out accordingly.
Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen.
Follow the specific food requirements of program clientele.
Deliver meals to homebound clientele when needed.
Contribute to team efforts, perform related duties as required, and attend training as required by the position.