Under the direction of the Program Operations Manager, the Program Assistant and Cook (PAC) is responsible for the coordination and preparation, cooking, and distribution of hot and cold foods to children enrolled at Daystar Kids. The employee is responsible for following the menu, estimating and tracking food consumption, and maintaining inventory, supplies, and equipment. In addition, the employee is responsible for cleaning the kitchen area, maintaining kitchen equipment, and performing daily inspections of the work area. The PAC maintains records required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and the Department of Health (DOH). This position involves extensive organizing, problem solving, attention to detail, record keeping, and time management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
· Prepares meals and snacks appropriate for infants, toddler, and preschool children, in accordance with national CACFP food service regulations, menus, and recipes, New York State Department of Health (DOH) requirements, OSHA, and other regulations.
· Under the direction of the Program Operations Manager and in accordance with enrollee Health Care Plans (HCP), the PAC modifies menus for children with special dietary needs and/or feeding restrictions and records all modifications and substitutes on posted menus and CACFP records.
· Ensures that food is properly prepared on time in accordance with menus and recipes and distributes and delivers food to the correct classrooms.
· Ensures proper portioning of food by using the CACFP requirement guidelines.
· Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.
· Maintains cost control, budget and inventory systems based on CAFCP procedures including records of food production, service, and attendance.
· Receives and inspects all incoming food purchases and deliveries, signs all invoices, and forwards them to the Program Operations Manager for processing.
· Stocks all incoming food and pantry items.
· Ensures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment and utensils including the cleaning and defrosting of refrigerators and freezers and inspection of work area for cleanliness and functional operation; identifies equipment needs for food preparation and service and assists in purchasing as needed
· Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.
· Maintains a clean environment in all common areas of the building, adhering to Daystar Kids disinfecting and sanitizing requirements.
· Organizes and distributes materials and supplies to each classroom.
· Accomplishes all other duties and tasks as assigned by Program Operations Manager.
COMPLIANCE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
· Attends and participates in trainings and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.
· Participates in the agency's self-evaluation process, CACFP and DOH monitoring activities, audit requirements, site inspections, complies with any applicable Quality Improvement Plans developed.
· Complies with all personnel functions of Daystar Kids and enforces all policies and procedures on behalf of management, including responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter.
· Complies with all Daystar Kids in-service and training requirements, and keeps updated on all policies, licensing requirements, standards, state and federal regulations, and/or any other information relevant to the agency’s food program.
· Demonstrates a thorough understanding of all established CACFP program and food safety regulations. Takes initiative in understanding current requirements and compliance measures.
· Complies with all HIPAA standards and understands that violations of HIPAA will result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate discharge.
· Performs all functions of the job with integrity and sensitivity to the values and core competencies outlined in a Person-Centered Support Model, as outlined by NYS Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, and in conformity with Daystar Kids family-centered support model.
· Performs other duties, as assigned.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
· High School Diploma or equivalent
· One - two years’ relevant work experience.
· Preferred course work and training in foods, nutrition and/or dietetics.
· Possess a current Food Handlers Certificate at the time of hiring and/or become certified with SERV Safe or other certification within six months of hire.
· Candidate must possess knowledge of the principles and practices and current state of child nutrition and of the eating habits of the children served in the program.
· Experience in child food service preparation and management preferred.
· Knowledge of CACFP requirements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
· Flexible to varied assignments and willingness to take direction and be accountable for independent assignments.
· Ability to pay close attention to details and follow instructions.
· Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively under pressure.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must pass fingerprint background check
Annual vaccinations required
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
