Substitute Cook Aide (44215)

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction and general supervision of the Center Director, has primary responsibility for preparing meals and snack for Head Start children in compliance with all laws, regulations, and program policies, procedures and practices, including Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, coworkers and families. Attends any and all required trainings. Follows all Head Start Performance Standards, Agency and Program policies and procedures and other applicable Federal and State regulations to successfully accomplish Agency and Program goals and objectives. Adhere to agency confidentiality policy with respect to information and records concerning children, families and staff. Maintains professional and ethical standards in accordance with agency policy, code of conduct and legal requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Direct Services (100%)

• Assists in preparing meals and snacks for children that comply with state and federal nutrition standards in childcare centers.

• Assists in maintaining food supplies and food preparation for the facility.

• Assists with food preparation and service that is appealing and according to requirements.

• Assists with organization and safety of the environment, including sanitation and personal hygiene.

• Assists with preparing and maintaining accurate, timely, organized, legible, records, reports, worksheets and meal preparation and information documents.

• Assists with weekly menu implication according to CACFP.

• Assists with planning, purchasing, and organization of food and kitchen supplies.

• Assists with taking food temperatures and maintaining accurate temperature logs as a primary function as opposed to a secondary function.

• Demonstrates effective parent partnerships by encouraging parents to volunteer.

• Operates Program vehicles in a safe manner, including safety check and record keeping, as directed.

• Participates fully and works cooperatively as a team member; addresses complaints and works to resolve problems effectively and efficiently.

• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains inventory of kitchen items.

• Maintains daily Temperature logs.

• Ensures Daily/Weekly/Monthly rotation of food.

• Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules.

• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.

• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

• Ability to speak effectively to parents or employees of organization.

• Bilingual/biliterate (English/Spanish, English/Hmong or English/Punjabi) and/or other language ability may be required based on program needs.

• Ability to add, subtract two-digit numbers and multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations of American money, weights, and distance.

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized or not standardized situation.

• Possession of a valid drivers' license; current personal vehicle insurance or safe driving record sufficient to ensure insurability through Agency policy.

• State regulations require a physical examination, current tuberculosis test, and verified fingerprint and criminal record clearance before beginning work.

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity and understanding the needs of families from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Ability to problem solve and be proactive.

• Ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers, parents, children and members of the community.

• Ability to travel occasionally within and outside the Head Start service area.

• Ability to learn and comply with Head Start Performance Standards, Federal, State and local laws concerning the operation of child care centers.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk or hear; and taste or smell.