Cook

POSITION: Cook (Full Time)

DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood Head Start

REPORTS TO: Site Director

SALARY: 26,475 -$27,174

JOB SUMMARY: The Cook is responsible for the implementation of food services in Grand Street Settlement's Head Start Programs serving children ages 2-5 in accordance with Department of Health, CACFP and Head Start Performance Standards. Responsibilities include preparing attractive, USDA-approved meals; keeping the kitchen and classroom areas clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; and maintaining adequate food stocks, kitchen supplies, and mandated CACFP nutrition records (including meal counts and food production records).

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or equivalent, plus current food handler's certificate

• Experience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groups

• Knowledge of early childhood nutrition

• Basic computer skills and knowledge for record keeping

• Lift and move heavy and/or bulky objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Center Director, the Cook shall be responsible for:

• Preparing nutritious meals that take into consideration children's various cultures and individual nutritional needs

• Understanding and using child nutritional needs and age-specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA, Head Start, and CACFP guidelines

• Understanding and strictly adhering to health, safety, food handling and sanitation requirements before, during and after meal preparation

• Prepare and participate in family-style meals for children, volunteers, and staff

• Maintain nutrition record-keeping and reporting as directed by supervisor

• Review food and supplies order sheets

• Store food and supplies properly

• Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures

• Maintain appropriate cleanliness of all kitchen materials and supplies as required

• Maintain and be aware of center allergies and concerns

• Train assistants, substitutes, and volunteers to support kitchen duties

• Collaborate with the Health and Nutrition Coordinator and nutrition consultant to maintain CACFP compliance

• Coordinate delivery of food to classrooms

• Attend staff meetings and relevant training

• Ability to stand on feet for relatively long periods while working and to lift 25 pounds

• Other duties as assigned

PRE- EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Clearance through DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry, Sex Offender Registry clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, varicella, Tdap, MMR (fees may apply)

• Obtain a Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with the agency's policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect

If selected for this position, the applicant must obtain NYC Dept. of Health fingerprint clearance and State Central Registry (SCR) clearance (fees may apply) and; ability to maintain State Central Registry (SCR) clearance and fingerprint clearance throughout employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE)