Preschool Kitchen staff/Cook- EARLY EDUCATION CENTER

Greater Missoula Family YMCA•Missoula, MT

11d

About The Position

The Missoula Y is seeking a dependable, team-oriented, and compassionate cook for its Early Childcare Center, serving children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. The cook plans, prepares, and serves breakfast, lunch, and snacks in accordance with Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards and safe food-handling guidelines. The role includes maintaining food inventories, accommodating children’s known food allergies and restrictions, and keeping the kitchen and food-preparation areas clean and compliant with health codes. The cook works with limited supervision in a nonprofit community-service environment and also helps with childcare, staff breaks, and teachers’ needs as required. The listed schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; the description also states that hours start at 8:00 a.m. The position is subject to a 12-month introductory probationary period. Pay is $16.15 per hour.

Requirements

Kitchen experience and familiarity with safe food preparation and health-code rules.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Current CPR certification or ability to obtain it within the first 30 days of employment.
Ability to communicate clearly with children, parents, members, and company personnel.
Ability to attend required trainings and meetings, including those scheduled outside normal or regular working hours.
Ability to perform the position’s functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to respond to critical situations and act swiftly in an emergency.
Ability to walk, stand, and sit for periods of time.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 55 pounds.
Ability to frequently bend, lean, kneel, and walk.
Ability to present a clean, well-groomed appearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in childcare or working with children.

Responsibilities

Prepare breakfast, lunch, and two snacks daily.
Maintain food inventory in accordance with menus, including checking in items and storing food.
Follow children’s predetermined food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Create healthy meals in accordance with HEPA guidelines.
Keep the kitchen and food-preparation environment clean and meet or exceed health-code guidelines.
Use safe food-handling and preparation practices.
Immediately report supply needs and equipment damage or malfunctions to the supervisor.
Arrive on time and wear proper attire.
Learn the names of children and parents in the center.
Give sufficient notice for absences and find an approved substitute to cover shifts.
Maintain harmonious relationships with staff, Y departments, volunteers, members, and the public.
Follow the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Know and enforce childcare rules, policies, and State of Montana licensing regulations.
Complete required child sexual abuse prevention training, fulfill mandatory-reporter obligations, and cooperate with investigations of suspected abuse.
Maintain positive child guidance.
Ensure program safety and manage risk appropriately.
Interpret and enforce safety and health regulations.
Respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies.
Work enthusiastically and flexibly as priorities change.
Exercise sound judgment and handle conflicts professionally and promptly.
Help with childcare, cover staff breaks, and assist teachers as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.