Assistant Cook

Position Summary:

The Cook is responsible for exposing the children to delicious and nutritious foods in order to encourage children to make life-long positive and healthy lifestyle choices. Cooks connect their work to the health of a child and their family, so that they can be successful in Kindergarten and in life. They support the center in meeting and exceeding Head Start Program Performance Standards and other relevant regulatory requirements, maintaining detailed records across relevant areas. The position reports directly to the Program Director, with support from the Children's Aid Food Service Manager.

Cook I (Partial Prep) - works in an early childhood program that is based in a Community School. Whether it is delivering meals prepared by the DOE School Foods Department, or making snacks from scratch, all job responsibilities on this description should be followed.

Cook II (Full Prep) - works in an early childhood program that is based in Community Center. All three meals are prepared from scratch and all job responsibilities on this description should be followed.

Essential Duties:

Under the direct supervision of the site's Program Director, with support from Children's Aid Food Service Manager, the Cook's responsibilities include the following:

Food Preparation

• Prepare and serve all meals and snacks at the Early Childhood site
• Learn and follow Children's Aid menus and recipes

Record Maintenance, Contract Compliance

• Place food requisitions on a weekly basis
• Receive food deliveries and signing off on invoices upon delivery
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory
• Submit daily written CACFP or Child and Adult Care Food Program food production records

Family Engagement

• Participate in Healthy Cooking workshops for the families
• Welcome and include eligible parent volunteers in the kitchen

Professional Development

• Participate in offered trainings, workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferences
• Maintain certification requirement and proof of attendance in professional activities
• Support the growth of the center including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment
• Check their Children's Aid email on a regular basis

Health and Safety

• Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements, teacher child/ratios, and CPR/first aid certification
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment (clean and organized kitchen and storage areas)
• In-person collaboration is an essential function of the job
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must hold a valid Department of Health Food Handler's License issued by New York State
• Education requirement i.e. IEP/ Local/ HS Diploma or equivalent preferred

Key Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to read and follow recipes, and to prepare foods from scratch
• Excellent cooking skills
• At least 2 years' experience managing a foodservice program and a kitchen, including ordering food
• Interest in and some knowledge of healthy eating
• Familiarity with CACFP nutrition guidelines is considered a plus
• Effective communication skills
• Resourceful & dependable
• At least 1-year experience working in a program serving infants and toddlers, and children with Special Needs
• Dedicated, excited and passionate about working with young children and families

(A review and final determination of credentials and qualifications are reserved for the site Program Leaders and the Food Service Manager)