Position Summary:

Working under the supervision of the Nutrition Specialist - Professional, the Cook is responsible for all phases of the preparation of meals for children at the center, including the purchasing of food, maintenance of records of CACFP, and cleanliness of kitchen.  The Cook functions as a team member with other center staff.

Responsibilities:

• Maintains standards of confidentiality regarding children, their families, and fellow staff members.  Maintains a professional attitude.
• Daily preparation of meals for children at the center, maintenance of records for CACFP, purchasing of food, and sanitizing kitchen equipment and utensils.
• Makes weekly grocery list, keeping on hand the needed items for required daily operation.
• Keeps perpetual inventory updated.
• Receives and signs for all deliveries. Keeps bills on file until turned into the Nutrition Specialist/Fiscal department monthly.
• Keeps accurate records of invoices and sends to Fiscal team on a monthly basis.

• Serves meals according to time schedule and makes appropriate substitutions when needed.
• Reports any needed repairs of kitchen equipment and supplies to Nutrition Specialist – Professional.
• Keeps accurate records required by CACFP guidelines and submits on a timely basis.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Attend training both for professional growth and for the benefit of children and families.
• Participate in statewide and other training required.  Attend fire safety training to include the use of a fire extinguisher.
• Provides daily records of meals to be turned in to the Nutrition Specialist - Professional at the end of every month.
• Reports suspected child abuse or neglect according to agency guidelines.
• Follows all established guidelines in the Food Service manual:

• Food sanitation and safety
• Preparation of market orders and purchasing procedures.
• Food preparation and portion control.
• Sanitation of equipment and work areas.
• Record keeping according to CACFP guidelines.

• Accountable for inventory.
• Maintains assets of company.
• Guides and directs activities of Cook Aide.
• Performs other job-related duties as required or assigned.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stays current with Head Start programs and regulations. 
• Supports and understands the vision, mission, and values of the Partnership.
• Other duties as may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
• Provides nurturing and reflects adequate competencies to care for and interact with children in the work environment.

Work Relationships and Scope:

Reports directly to the Nutrition Specialist - Professional. Daily or regular interactions with others working directly with families, children, staff, and local community resource providers. Occasional interaction with general public and Federal and State regulatory agencies.  Exemplifies servant leadership. Excellent communication skills. Accurate, timely, reliable, and thorough. Accountable for time. Gains the trust and respect of staff. Accepts feedback willingly. Represents the values of the Partnership in action and word. Acts deliberately and confidently. Self-directed. Able to work independently. Works respectfully in a team environment. Maintains confidential information.

Measure of Performance: 

• Completes vendor orders (weekly).
• Compiles vendor paperwork (weekly).
• Maintains inventory counts (weekly).
• Plans, organizes, and efficiently handles situations that occur in the kitchen (on-going).
• Accurate reporting (on-going).
• Analyzes reports and data (on-going).
• Accepts feedback willingly (on-going).
• Represents the values of the Partnership in action and word (on-going).
• Acts deliberately and confidently (on-going).
• Maintains confidential information (on-going).
• Answers customer/staff complaints and requests (on-going)
• Communicates effectively with other staff: in-person, by email, or by phone (on-going)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

High School Diploma or equivalent (GED). 2 years’ experience in food service management. Experience in assisting in cafeterias and in quantity cookery. Good communication skills. Ability to work under pressure. Problem solver.

Working Conditions:

• Subject to moderate or high risk of injury.
• Must be able to lift periodically throughout the day a minimum of 50 pounds (Purchasing and Stocking).
• Utilize all safety equipment and procedures in daily operations at the center.
• Include appropriate attire such as non-slip shoes, aprons, hairnets, gloves, etc.
• Be able to work with cleaning chemicals such as oven cleaner, etc., to sanitize and clean kitchen and equipment daily.
• Employees are expected to work their assigned hours, to be on time, and to leave at their assigned hour. The beginning time, ending time, and break time will vary depending upon work location.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and cleared Criminal Background (ABI/FBI) report. 

Benefits:        

All full-time employees of the Partnership are provided a very generous and exceptional benefits package which includes full medical coverage managed by PEEHIP (BC/BS Plan). The agency contributes over 10% monthly to the Retirement System of Alabama on behalf of each employee.

Acknowledgement:

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position.  It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job.  The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the Assistant Director of Children’s Services.  All requirements are subject to change over time and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.