Early Learning Center Cook - Broken Bow

LIFT Community Action Agency • Broken Bow, OK

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Early Learning Center Cook purchases, prepares, cooks, and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks for Early Learning Center children and staff. The role also includes inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining the kitchen and dining areas and completing required program paperwork. The position is safety-sensitive and requires proficiency in reading, speaking, and writing English.

The Cook manages kitchen operations in accordance with applicable USDA, health department, fire marshal, human services, education, CACFP, and Head Start requirements. The position maintains food safety and sanitation standards, required CACFP records and reports, and a respectful, child-oriented mealtime environment. The Cook reports directly to the Center Director and does not supervise other employees. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Food Handlers Card.
• Knowledge of proper food storage, preparation, cooking, recipe use, standard weights and measures, and workplace safety practices.
• Ability to read and follow recipes and a cycle menu.
• Basic math skills and ability to use a calculator.
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and auto insurance.
• Ability to read, speak, and write English proficiently.
• Ability to work effectively with people and demonstrate problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills.
• Patience and the ability to resolve conflicts; a gentle, kind, creative, and resourceful approach.
• Attention to detail, ability to multitask and cope with stress, and a strong desire to succeed.
• Ability to perform the described physical activities, including prolonged sitting or standing, walking, bending, stooping, repetitive cleaning and food preparation tasks, and lifting and carrying items of 30 pounds or more.
• Ability to work in an enclosed facility, classroom, and office environment and to occasionally encounter childhood diseases and blood.

Nice To Haves

• Basic cooking skills and experience in food service and volume meal preparation are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and implement kitchen management systems in accordance with applicable regulations, program standards, policies, procedures, and budget requirements.
• Implement the cycle menu and review menus to determine needed supplies.
• Purchase, inventory, and properly store food for meals and snacks served onsite and on field trips.
• Maintain CACFP paperwork, including menu production records, monthly adjustment sheets, food transport records, inventories, cycle menus, meal count worksheets, freezer logs, and food purchase receipts.
• Compile monthly reports accurately, submit CACFP documentation on time, and post and maintain required CACFP public notices.
• Refer child nutrition concerns to appropriate agency staff.
• Clean and maintain the kitchen, food service utensils, equipment, and food storage areas according to required sanitation and food safety standards.
• Sit and eat with children at mealtimes, serve the same menu, and engage in pleasant, child-oriented conversation. Obtain a physician's statement for special dietary needs.
• Maintain an environment respectful of children’s and families’ cultures, values, and differences, and assist non-English-speaking families.
• Provide requested program documentation in a timely manner and keep assigned records accurate, current, and confidential.
• Assist other staff with projects and perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.
• Report to work as scheduled, maintain good attendance, and perform duties in a timely and professional manner.
• Participate positively in program activities and attend staff meetings, in-service training, parent meetings, and other required meetings or workshops.
• Pursue professional growth through early childhood education classes, training programs, workshops, and conferences as budget allows.
• Learn and support the philosophies, theories, and mission of the Early Learning Center and LIFT Community Action Agency.
• Follow workplace conduct rules, including restrictions on smoking on agency property, vulgar language, and cell phone use except for emergencies.
• Operate a computer and office equipment as needed and communicate accurately with staff and others regarding program inquiries.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED