Substitute Cook

Reports to:     Nutrition Manager                                  Department:  Early Childhood Services

Classification:  Full-time                                       Status:  Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Work as an effective team member in each site as assigned.  Substitute for absent cook to ensure regularly planned meal and meal routine is maintained for the day.  Prepare and maintain food at appropriate temperature, have knowledge of the Department of Health rules and regulation and Head Start Program Performance Standards. Gain knowledge of proper food preparation, temperature control, sanitation, and portion sizes. Help to train new cooking staff.  When applicable, and as assigned, substitute for other absent staff to insure appropriate adult/child ratio is maintained.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Be a positive role model during mealtimes, classroom times,
• Implements, supplies, and maintains all nutritional activities in the Head Start Center.
• Maintain cooking area and equipment by cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen and tables, cleaning appliances and utensils.
• Assure a child helper is assigned to assist cleaning dining area.
• Review menus to determine food requirements including variety and quantity of food for preparation.
• Assemble supplies and equipment needed for daily cooking activities.
• Season and prepare a wide variety of foods in accordance with prescribed scratch cooking recipes following the established monthly menus provided by Nutrition Service Coordinator.
• Contact Nutrition Service Coordinator for guidance if the menu must be modified.
• Complete production sheets and other records as required.
• Prepare foods for special events as needed.
• Prepare special diets according to prescribed standards.
• Educate customers on nutritional values and food groups.
• Report any malfunctioning kitchen appliance to Site Manager/Site Director / Nutrition Coordinator to ensure maintenance request is completed.
• Work with teaching staff to develop a plan to work with children for preparing tables and dining areas for meals and cleanup.
• Follow current Kansas Child Care Licensing/ Head Start Program Performance Standards/ CACFP guidelines and expectations.
• Document daily, in the menu book and complete meal counts per CACFP regulations.
• Follow the daily schedule and allow children opportunity to make choices in learning experiences
• Interact with children in ways that facilitate the development of expressive language and thought
• Adapt indoor and outdoor activities to maximize the independence of children with Special Needs.
• Demonstrate realistic expectations about children’s attention spans, interests, social abilities, and physical needs
• Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.
• Comply with Head Start Performance Standards, Licensing Requirements, and Program Policies.
• Respect and support cultural differences and diverse family structures.
• Demonstrate good work habits such as arriving on time and adhering to appropriate break times.
• Work with Nutrition Services Coordinator and Nutrition Lead to train new cooks as requested.
• Work cooperatively and appropriately with volunteers, professional partners and co-workers.
• Attend mandatory In-Service trainings and staff meetings.
• Report any suspected abuse or neglect to appropriate authority.
• Advocate for SEK-CAP, Inc. in the community.
• Maintain and assure confidentiality and privacy of SEK-CAP customers.
• Uphold and promote the core values and mission statement of SEK-CAP.
• Support management decisions both in actions and words.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the general public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Resourceful and well organized.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.
• Ability to learn and adapt to change.
• Ability to drive to all locations throughout the 12-county area.

Desired:

• Previous cooking experience for groups of 20 or more.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment.
• Submit to and pass standard criminal history check.
• Submit to and pass standard drug screen test.
• Possess current, valid driver’s license and be insurable by the organization’s motor vehicle insurance carrier.
• Must possess basic math skills in order to compute accurate CACFP records.
• Must possess time management skills to prepare and serve food in accordance with schedule.
• Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
  
• Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.