Assistant Cook Job Description:
General Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Lead Cook and Daycare Director with guidance from the contracted Nutritionist, the Assistant Cook is responsible for guaranteeing that the children are served nutritious, good tasting and appealing meals and snacks. It is the Assistant Cook's responsibility to assist in preparing these meals and snacks by methods that maintain high nutrient levels and that are sanitary. It is also the Assistant Cook's duty to serve meals that are suitable for the children's age and development. The Assistant Cook may be needed to purchase all food and supplies necessary and keeps records required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), the Delegate Agency and the Grantee. This position involves extensive organizing, problem solving, record keeping, and time management.
Essential Functions:
- Assist with planning and preparing foods in accordance with the Georgia Food Service Policy, Menus and Recipes.
- Purchases food and supplies necessary to prepare the planned menus for the number of enrolled children and program staff.
- Assist with planning meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval, purchases and serves food of equivalent nutritional value. With guidance from the Nutritionist, modifies menus for children's field trips; notes all modifications and substitutes on posted menu and for CACFP records.
- Prepares meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
- 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.
- With the guidance of the contracted Nutritionist, modifies menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.
- Serves foods from the kitchen to the cafeteria ready to be served as suitable for the children's age and development.
- Shares duties with the Lead Cook(s) (if any) for efficient functioning of food service program.
- Assures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; identifies equipment needs for food preparation and service and assists in purchasing as needed.
- Cooperates with and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, parents and children.
- Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.
- Attends and participates in grantee-sponsored trainings, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.
- Participates in the agency's self-evaluation process and grantee monitoring visits and complies with any applicable Program Improvement Plans developed.
- Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the grantee and delegate agency as requested.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
Recommended Employment Qualifications
Education:
It is preferred that the Assistant Cook have course work and training in foods, nutrition and/or dietetics. It is also preferred that the Assistant Cook possess a current Food Handlers Certificate at the time of hiring. A commitment to secure continuing education related to employment with the Agency is required.
Experience:
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. Demonstrated skills in preparing these foods in a nutritious, good tasting and appealing manner. Experience in child food service preparation and management desirable. Knowledge of CACFP requirements also desirable. Knowledge of the challenges and strengths of low-income and migrant families. Effective oral and written communication skills commensurate with the responsibilities of the position are required. Bilingual, both oral and written, ability (English/Spanish) is preferred.
Additional Requirements:
Regular access to a reliable vehicle; have a valid Georgia driver's license and vehicle insurance. Ability to pass a physical exam every two years and a TB test yearly. Must be able to comply with background check, including fingerprints, as required by the agency and/or Georgia Licensing Agency. Successful experience working as an effective member of a team and with children. Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community. Visual acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed. Must be free of communicable diseases and breathing impairments. Manual dexterity sufficient to: use kitchen utensils and equipment, wash dishes, operate office equipment including, but not limited to, the telephone & copier, and use hand writing materials to prepare reports and documentation. Must have effective organizational, problem solving, time management and analytical skills. Must be able to travel periodically to trainings. Ability to learn and comprehend information from Procedures Manuals and other materials. Ability to calculate to determine number of meals to be served and to adjust recipes and serving portions. Must be able to physically move through grocery stores, the center and classrooms. Ability to lift 55 pounds is required. Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff & clients desirable. Must possess personal qualifications as required by the Georgia Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, including: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of Head Start, respect for children and adults from various cultures and backgrounds, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that do not interfere with responsibilities.
Working Conditions:
This job involves standing for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting and climbing. Must be able to travel, enter, and exit a vehicle without assistance and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions. Proper clothing, shoes and hair restraints according to Health Department Standards are to be worn daily. If the applicant does not possess at time of hire, obtaining the ServeSafe Certification within six months of hiring is expected.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
