Head Start Cook

This position entails mainly specific tasks that are technical in nature and requires the ability to work with others to accomplish program goals and objectives and integration of program activities to achieve comprehensive program services for eligible children and families.
Regular work hours are set by the Site Leader; however, occasional overtime may be required.
This employee must be able to adapt to flexible work schedules as established by management.
JOB TITLE SUMMARY Supervise production/preparation, food purchases, and service of meals in accordance with established United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and State guidelines and standards of nutrition, health, and sanitation.
This employee will plan nutritious meals and snacks for Head Start students, parents and teachers and perform administrative tasks in support of the food preparation process, including documentation maintenance of records.
Noise level could be moderate to loud in the center and kitchen and employee must be able to work in close quarters.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS • Responsible for overseeing all food service operations • Maintains food service sanitation standards • Assemble food, dishes, utensils, and supplies needed for timely meal preparation • Prepare high-quality nutritional food, in quantity sufficient for center needs • Prepare menus and follow standardized recipes • Adhere to sanitation and safety procedures • Ensure that food temperatures met USDA guidelines and that the kitchen areas are sanitary so that health standards are maintained • Wash dishes, pots, pans and utensils using approved sanitation methods • Return all items to their proper storage site • Complete routine maintenance of kitchen and equipment, including weekly deep cleaning • Order or shop for food and maintain inventory • Ensure that all special dietary needs of children are met • Prepare all meals (breakfast, lunch, and snacks) • Coordinate menu planning with daily classroom schedule and special activities • Prepare all paperwork for USDA and program guidelines • Ensure Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regulations are followed to maintain license • Ensure Attendance (form H1535) and Daily Meal Production (form H1530) is done weekly • Ensure that Claim for reimbursement, (form H4502) and Claim for Reimbursement worksheet (H4502) are done on a monthly basis and submitted on last day of month • Submit Time Distribution Report on the last day of each month • Ensure that Enrolled, New Enrolled, Drop List (Blue Form) are done monthly and submitted to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Clerk by the last day of each month • Maintain Eligibility for CACFP Food Program (form B) • Maintain CACFP application and other documentation on file • Responsible for reporting to their immediate supervisor or designee if they witness or see anything present or anyone not following SPCAA procedures or processes that place a person or program records at risk.
• Promote Parent Engagement Activities • Capture, value, and appropriately document In-Kind, non-federal share • Must possess ability to provide reliable self-transportation capable of regional travel.
Must possess and maintain valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s permit of appropriate classification and endorsement as required.
Must agree to maintain a satisfactory MVR and minimum requirement of insurability as required by law.
MVR background checks may be conducted by the agency.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OR JOB REQUIREMENTS • Assist in classroom as needed • Assist in parent meetings, orientations, and special functions.
• The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job.
Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS • High School diploma or GED required • Certified Food Manager Certification required (Cooks not certified will be scheduled for training within one month of hire).
• Health Department Certificate desired • Be at least 18 years old • Strong knowledge of large-scale food production, typically from one-year relevant experience or education • Working knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures prescribed for large scale kitchen production • Basic computer skills desired • Available for a light amount of night and weekend work PHYSICAL DEMANDS • Able to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting or standing for extended periods of time, drive or ride in sedan, bus or van, and interacting with children at the child’s eye level (which includes floor activities) or other duties assigned.
• High level of daily repetitive motion with hands and arms in food preparation and delivery activities • Continuous standing and walking for most of an 8-hour workday • Frequent daily bending and lifting of bulk foods, equipment, or other items.
On occasion, employee must lift and/or remove up to 25 lbs • Occasional pushing or pulling of weight over 25 lbs • Regular bending, squatting, or crouching • Regular reaching occurs to retrieve utensils and food items or other items • The usual requirements in a classroom environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment, and occasional adjustments of office furniture • Regularly required to sit for extended periods of time Job Location Denver City, Texas 79323