Preschool Chef & Kitchen Manager

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization•Portland, OR

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. The IRCO Early Beginnings Preschool at Glisan Landing serves up to 40 children aged 3-5 years old Monday through Friday year-round in a welcoming, multicultural environment. The Preschool Team’s purpose is to provide safe and inclusive learning environments and engaging interactions for the children in their care.

Requirements

High level proficiency in written and spoken English; bilingual preferred.
Registration in the Oregon Central Background Registry.
Completion of required health and safety training.
Current food handler certification, or willingness to obtain certification as required.
Bachelor's Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience and/or equivalent experience.
Minimum 2 years of experience with cooking and food preparation; professional kitchen, restaurant, catering, school, childcare, or institutional food service experience is preferred.
Enjoys preparing healthy, nutritious, and child-friendly meals and cooking is comfortable for groups.
Knowledge of basic nutrition and the ability to create balanced menus that meet applicable preschool meals and nutritional guidelines.
Understanding safe food handling, food storage, sanitation, and kitchen cleanliness practices.
Ability to safely prepare and serve food while accommodating food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan menus, manage inventory, place orders, and maintain accurate food and supply levels.
Reliable, punctual, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Comfortable working in a preschool environment and interacting positively and appropriately with young children.
Willingness to collaborate with classroom teachers on age-appropriate cooking projects and food-related activities.
Creative and flexible, with an interest in introducing children to a variety of healthy foods and new flavors.
Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen and follow a regular cleaning and deep-cleaning schedule.
Good communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively as part of a preschool team.
Must be able to meet all applicable childcare, food service, health, and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with young children
Familiarity with the Child and Adult Care Food Program
Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multicultural organization
Strong ability to work with multi-cultural staff in a team setting
Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities
Ability to courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, agency representatives, vendors, contractors, the public, and others
Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitments

Responsibilities

Create a weekly menu consisting of breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
Ensure menus meet applicable child nutrition, dietary, and preschool meal guidelines.
Provide a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and appropriate sources of protein and dairy or alternatives.
Accommodate food allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions.
Develop menus that are nutritious, appealing, age-appropriate, and practical for young children.
Prepare and serve daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks.
Follow appropriate food handling, preparation, storage, and sanitation procedures.
Prepare meals in quantities appropriate for enrollment.
Ensure food is served at safe and appropriate temperatures.
Maintain a welcoming and positive attitude toward children's developing food preferences and eating habits.
Communicate with classroom staff regarding menus, meal service, and any food-related concerns.
Create and submit weekly food and kitchen supply orders.
Monitor inventory and maintain adequate supplies of food, paper products, cleaning supplies, and other kitchen necessities.
Check deliveries for accuracy, quality, and freshness.
Properly label, date, rotate, and store food.
Monitor expiration dates and minimize food waste.
Maintain organized and well-stocked kitchen and food storage areas.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and support age-appropriate cooking projects and food-related activities.
Help create hands-on experiences that introduce children to new foods, cooking techniques, nutrition, and healthy eating habits.
Prepare ingredients or recipes for classroom cooking activities when appropriate.
Participate in occasional classroom cooking experiences and special food-related events.

Benefits

Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
Work that helps your community
3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
3% match for student loans or college savings
12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending accounts