POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The essential functions will be carried out in keeping with the goals and mission of the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA. Under the guidance and direction of the Preschool Director, the cook will be responsible for kitchen operation in the preschool, creating a healthy nutrition environment.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Prepares and serves age-appropriate nutritious meals and snacks for children.
2. Develops well-balanced menus and recipes in accordance with USDA and MSDH guidelines and requirements in planning, preparations, and portions.
3. Maintains USDA Menu Book and Meal Count Sheets in accordance with MS Department of Education – Office of Child Nutrition standards and requirements.
4. Prepares menus and documents in USDA Menu Book at least two weeks in advance in accordance with guidelines.
5. Maintains kitchen and all equipment in a clean and sanitary condition in accordance with MSDH standards.
6. Responsible for acquiring and maintaining necessary training/certification including but not limited to ServeSafe.
7. Understands and safely operates kitchen equipment and utensils.
8. Orders, stocks, and organizes all merchandise necessary for meal production and serving.
9. Assists staff with other duties as required for the operation of the childcare program.
10. Supporting the program and the goals of the YMCA, while promoting harmony within the YMCA.
11. Utilizes time and resources effectively.
12. Demonstrates sound judgment in making decisions, setting priorities and solving problems.
13. Practices courtesy at all times.
14. Other duties as assigned.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):
Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising. Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others. Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better participant experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and delivers a high-value experience for participants and their parents. Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. At least 18 years of age. Two (2) years’ experience in childcare setting preferred.
2. High School education or equivalent.
3. Required trainings within 30 Days – Y-USA Online Trainings: The Y & Your New Employee Orientation, The Y’s Way to Service & Engagement, Orientation to Healthy Living, Introduction to The Y’s Cause and Culture, Foundations of Listen First, Orientation To Diversity, Inclusion & Global; Registration required within first 30 days for MSDH Trainings: Health & Safety Regulation, Playground Regulation, and Infant and Child Regulation
4. Must meet the state licensing requirements/knowledge of basic principles of food service and food safety, personal hygiene, and how to apply those principles.
5. Current Infant/Child CPR/First Aid/AED certification required within 30 days and must remain current throughout employment.
6. Must obtain a minimum of 15 hours of Continuing Education Units as required by the Mississippi Department of Health on a yearly basis.
7. Must obtain ServeSafe certificate or other approved food safety certification and maintain current certification as required by USDA, State Department of Education and Mississippi Department of Health.
8. Ability to create and work within a Christian environment so that each child has the opportunity for spiritual growth.
9. To further the Mission and Values of the YMCA (Mission: To put Christian principles into practice which build healthy mind, body, and spirit. Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.)
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Ability to walk, kneel, squat, climb, push (50 lbs.), lift (50 lbs.), pull (50 lbs.).
2. Ability to walk, stand and sit for long periods of time.
3. Ability to communicate effectively, ability to read and follow instructions/recipes.
4. Exposure to heat for extended periods of time from oven, stove, hot water, dishwasher and other kitchen appliances.
5. Works with sharp utensils such as knives and other hazardous kitchen tools.
6. Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation.
7. Noise level is typically moderate but can at times be loud.
Pay: $12.00 - $13.25 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Are you available to work 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM?
- Do you hold a servesafe or tummysafe certificate?
Work Location: In person
