Cook: Ray’s Place Early Learning Center

Hamblen County, Job Openings

Date:     6/18/2025

Program:    Douglas Cherokee Head Start
Job Title:   Cook
Location:    Hamblen County- Ray’s Place Early Learning Center

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time; 33.5 hours per week; 12 month

Salary Grade: $12.33/hour

Reports to:  Area Coordinator, Health & Nutrition Manager, Head Start Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Nutrition Coordinator, the Cook will perform all duties and responsibilities necessary for daily food service operations in the Early Head Start center and compliance with Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements. The Cook will be assigned a work area with a central kitchen at the Early Head Start center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  1. Serve meals and snacks each day. Assist with breakfast, lunch, and snack preparation.
  2. Order and receive food for EHS location; checking carefully against invoices for items missing.
  3. Note quantities and items actually delivered on the invoice and report deficiencies.
  4. Deliver all invoices periodically to the Nutrition Coordinator in meeting special local supply needs in a manner which is consistent with the Program’s purchasing policies.
  5. Purchase economical, high-quality foods (formula, baby and table food).
  6. Provide for proper food storage under the supervision of the Nutrition Coordinator.
  7. Maintain a sanitary, attractive kitchen meeting all federal interagency day care standards.
  8. Prepare food in a manner which retains nutritional value, looks appetizing and appealing to children, and follows cycle menus as developed.
  9. Cooperate with the Nutrition Coordinator, Site Supervisor, Family Service Workers, and Teachers in providing nutrition education for children, Head Start parents, and staff.
  10. Keep proper reports and records (food purchases, inventory, food production, menu changes, and meal counts) to comply with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.
  11. Requisition equipment as needed through the Nutrition Coordinator and report repairs necessary to the Facilities/Maintenance Manager.
  12. Work in close cooperation with the Head Start Food Services Manager and maintain a pleasant, cooperative working relationship.
  13. Maintain a current inventory of all food-service equipment and supplies, and food items and maintain and stay with budget.
  14. Participate in in-service training sessions.
  15. Work with all staff on special nutrition problems.
  16. Demonstrate work habits which comply with agency Policies and Procedures and complete special assignments from the Nutrition Coordinator, Site Supervisor, or HS/EHS Director.
  17. Purchase and transport needed groceries and carry heavy items/groceries to the kitchen.
  18. Have the ability to use standard kitchen equipment as well as some commercial equipment.
  19. Responsible for transporting food from the Head Start kitchen to the Early Head Start kitchen and for cleaning and returning containers.
  20. Responsible for monitoring mealtime needs and having food prepared and ready to serve.
  21. Responsible for requesting appropriate amount of food on a daily basis.
  22. Work closely with Head Start Cook to plan meals and snacks and maintain inventory.
  23. Responsible for cleaning, scraping dishes, loading and operating dishwasher. Wash pots, pans, bottles, nipples, and other utensils daily.
  24. Responsible for sanitizing bottles, nipples, and assisting the teacher with bottle/formula preparation and storage.
  25. Responsible for assisting with special functions, such as open house, parent education meetings, etc. that might involve food service.
  26. Work with special needs children and their families in a non-discriminatory, supportive manner.
  27. Be able to reach, without hazard, stove-top areas, fans, upper cabinets, and all kitchen facilities.
  28. Follow Head Start dress code and dress appropriately to maintain safety in the kitchen.
  29. 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.
  30. 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:  Hamblen-Ray’s Place Early Learning Center

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Other duties as assigned, which may include assisting in classrooms or on playground to allow other staff to take required breaks.
  • Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license, available transportation for work-related duties, and proof of liability insurance. Mileage will be reimbursed when using a personal vehicle.
  • Comply with all rules, policies and procedures of the Agency.
  • Maintain confidentiality of family, child, and Agency information.
  • Does not discriminate in the provision of services and makes sure that no person is excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or benefit because of race, color, religion, gender (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, citizenship, ethnicity, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, or veteran status unless those exclusions are based upon bona fide qualifications mandated by program service eligibility criteria.
  • This job may change at any time for any or no reason.

ROLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Requirements: Minimum of High school diploma or GED required.

Experience Requirements: Experience in food service and/or childcare preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Must obtain pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
  • Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
  • Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.
  • 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 necessary to assure financial accountability in the food service program; and willingness to assist in maintaining proper sanitation, health standards, and safety practices in food preparation and service required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • 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.