Date: 9/11/2024
Program: Douglas Cherokee Head Start
Job Title: Cook Aide- Blount County
Location: Maryville Head Start
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Part-time; 28 hours per week; 9 month
Salary Grade: $11.05/hour
Reports to: Area Coordinator, Health & Nutrition Manager, Head Start Director
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Lead Cook and Health and Nutrition Manager, the Cook will perform all duties and responsibilities necessary for daily food service operations in the Head Start centers and compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements. The Cook will be assigned a work area with a central kitchen at a Head Start center. Follow all rules and regulations of Head Start performance standards and CACFP.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Assist Cook in duties and responsibilities in food preparation and clean up.
- Assist in food record keeping as needed.
- Prepare and serve breakfast and/or snack and lunch each school day.
- Order, receive and store food as delivered by suppliers.
- Check invoices against items delivered to ensure accuracy of the invoice and charges.
- Deliver all invoices periodically to the Health and Nutrition Manager in meeting special local supply needs in a manner which is consistent with the Program’s purchasing policies.
- Purchase economical, high-quality foods.
- Provide for proper food storage under the supervision of the Health and Nutrition Manager.
- Maintain a sanitary, attractive kitchen which meets all federal interagency day care standards.
- Prepare food in a manner which retains nutritional value, looks appetizing, is appealing to children, and follows cycle menus as developed.
- Cooperate with the Health and Nutrition Manager and the Teachers in providing nutrition education for children, Head Start parents, and staff.
- Keep proper reports and records (food purchases, inventory, food production, menu changes, and meal counts) in order to comply with all USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.
- Participate in food-related learning experiences, eat with children, include children in food service, preparation, and clean-up.
- Requisition equipment as needed through the Health and Nutrition Manager.
- Maintain a current inventory of all food-service equipment and supplies.
- Participate in pre-service and in-service training sessions.
- Work with Health and Nutrition Manager, Teachers, and classroom staff on special nutrition problems.
- Demonstrate work habits which comply with agency Personnel Policies and Procedures and complete special assignments from the Health and Nutrition Manager or Head Start Director.
- Purchase needed groceries at the grocery store and be able to transport and carry heavy items/groceries from the store to the kitchen.
- Have the ability to use standard kitchen equipment as well as some commercial equipment.
- Be able to reach, without hazard, stove-top areas, fans, upper cabinets, and all kitchen facilities.
- Follow Head Start dress code and dress appropriately to maintain safety in the kitchen.
- Other duties as assigned which may include assisting in classrooms or on playground to allow other staff to take required breaks
- Welcome families to participate in their child’s learning activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom to support their child and the program.
- Encourage parents, families, and community members to support our children and the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind) as required to continue receiving federal funding.
WORK SITE: Blount- Initial worksite Maryville Head Start
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This job may change at any time for any or no reason.
- It is an essential function of this job to get along with others, to be civil toward others and not threaten anyone’s safety, to be respectful of managers, co-workers and subordinates.
- Comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the Agency.
- Maintain confidentiality of family, child, and Agency information.
- Treat all people with respect and not discriminate in the provision of services or Agency business with regard to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, disability or veteran status.
ROLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Requirements
- Minimum of High school diploma or GED required.
Experience Requirements
- Experience in food service and/or child care preferred.
- A demonstrated ability in using planned menus to prepare food which is nourishing, appetizing, and appealing to children and an understanding of vital role nutrition plays in a child’s development is essential.
- A natural concern for and enjoyment of Head Start children and their families; the ability to keep simple records; and willingness to assist in maintaining proper sanitation, health standards, and safety practices in food preparation and service required.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must obtain pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
- Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
- Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- Must have the ability to lift children and to physically assist them as needed.
- Will frequently lift or move weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children (20-60#).
- Required to stand up to 95% of the workday.
- Must be able to interact with children on the playground or in the classroom. Ex: run, jump, dance, physical exercise.
- Must be able to stoop and bend to interact with children on their level.
- Able to physically and mentally react immediately to unexpected circumstances.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Application Deadline: Applications accepted until position is filled.
To Apply: Send application and/or resume to: Human Resources Manager DCEA Head Start/Early Head Start, 127 Cedar Street, Morristown, TN 37814. Email applications to jobs@dceaheadstart.org.