Head Start Assistant Cook

A. GENERAL SUMMARY OF WHAT THE POSITION DOES

The position of Assistant Cook is one role in a large system of services provided to

children and families. A strong food service program is important to supporting the

goals of the program. This position is responsible for assisting in the preparation and

serving of meals and snacks and the clean up afterwards. It includes following menus

and all phases of kitchen operations. The position contributes to the smooth operations

and functioning of the kitchen in adherence to health and food safety codes and the

strict cleanliness of the kitchen and food service and storage areas. It also contributes to

the collection of correct documentation for the Child and Adult Care Food Program

(CACFP) which allows for reimbursement for food service (important to the program

budget). Position may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as deemed

necessary for program operations.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

Duties of the position are described in major functional areas listed below. Additional

duties may be assigned.

1. EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES
   

1. Food Service

1. Prepares and serves food and assists in any food related activities as directed
   by the cook. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the
   needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
2. Delivers meals in a timely manner to multiple classrooms on a daily basis.
3. Assists with maintenance of inventory for all necessary supplies food and
   equipment used for food services operations.
4. Assists with the processing and storage of food and food related items as they
   are delivered.
5. Oversees full kitchen operations in the absence of the cook.
6. Assists the cook in carrying out a financially successful food service operation
   by helping to control food and labor costs.
7. Assists with logging meals and snacks prepared and served in the menu book
   and following USDA/CACFP documentation required for food purchased
   prepared and served.
8. Acts as a resource and a team member with program staff to plan food-related
   experiences and other nutrition training and activities for the children and
   parents/families in the program.
9. Supports staff and parents in preparing meals and snacks for meetings planning
   sessions and other special events as requested and approved by the supervisor
   staff person responsible for the nutrition content area or Program Director.
10. Ensures that meals are presented in a manner that facilitates family style meal
    services for children and classroom staff.
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Ensures that dishes are returned to the kitchen for cleaning and preparation for
    the next meal.
12. Responsible for proper storage of food and clean up of kitchen and equipment.
13. Notifies supervisor of any safety or health issues or concerns.
14. Participates in ongoing training in food preparation and nutrition.
15. Assists the cook to utilize the Meriden YMCA HS CACFP notebook system.
    

1. Health And Sanitation

1. Follows the established system for cleaning to ensure that the kitchen and
   storage rooms are kept in a clean and sanitary manner.
2. Reports any kitchen equipment not in good working order to supervisor to
   ensure the kitchen remains safe and hazard free.
3. Prepares food in a safe and sanitary manner.
   
   

1. EXAMPLES OF GENERAL DUTIES

1. Understands generates and documents in-kind and other allowable costs
   applied toward the non-federal share requirement.
2. Attends all workshops and meetings as deemed necessary by the immediate
   supervisor.
3. Attends all required staff and parent meetings and activities.
4. Responsible for understanding Head Start Performance Standards and local child
   care licensing regulations.
5. Expected to be knowledgeable of the regulations associated with prevention of
   occupational disease and injury including the exercise of universal
   precautions and the prevention of contamination.
6. Positively promotes Head Start in the community.
7. Maintains strict confidentiality with respect to Head Start children families and
   staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
8. Becomes thoroughly familiar with Meriden YMCA Employee Handbook Meriden
   YMCA Head Start Operations Manual and all other Meriden YMCA handbooks
   Manuals and resources and adheres to them.
   
   
   PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
   
   C. SUPERVISION EXERCISED
   Immediate supervision means those employees the position assigns directs and evaluates.
   
   Position supervised: Head Cook
   
   D. PERSONAL CONTACTS
   Major internal and external contacts
   
   Internal External
   See Organizational Chart Head Start Parents - daily
   Community Partners - as needed
   Parent Committee(s) - at least monthly
   Vendors - as needed
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   E. DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS
   This section will describe the kinds and impact of decisions and commitments;
   the effects influence and significance of these decisions; the consequence of
   error and the limitation of the finality of decision-making.
   
   Decisions and commitments involving the nutrition program are very important and affect
   the children and continued funding of the programs. Following the guidelines and the
   regulations of the program are of the utmost importance to ensuring quality services for
   the children and families.
   

1. SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The job description the Head Start Performance Standards and the content area work

plan serve as a guideline. Assistance is received from other agency staff as needed.

Outside assistance can be received from other related resources. Head Start

effectively uses the teamwork approach. All content areas are interwoven so as to

better assist and support families. The immediate supervisor is responsible for appraisals

of this position.

Content area supervision training and technical assistance are received from the staff

person responsible for health nutrition and child safety content areas as

well as other specialists/coordinators and/or managers as needed. The content area

Work Plan must be followed. The Head Start Performance Standards and related

regulations must also be followed. This position must be able to initiate prioritize and

carry out functions without continuous direct supervision.

G. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge: Some knowledge of food preparation and storage techniques.

Some knowledge of USDA/CACFP program requirements and Head Start Performance

Standards related to food and nutrition. Some knowledge of the local state and

federal regulations pertaining to sanitation and food service. Some knowledge of

regulations associated with prevention of occupational disease and injury including

the exercise of universal precautions and the prevention of contamination.

Abilities: Ability to assist in preparing healthy and attractive meals and snacks and

to maintain the kitchen storage and food service areas in a safe and healthy condition.

Ability to be flexible in food preparation and other food related activities. Ability to

work sensitively with staff children and parents. Ability to organize time

efficiently and accept responsibility at times with limited supervision. Ability to

maintain confidentiality about any information regarding families and staff.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate both written and orally. Ability to follow directions from
  both written and oral instructions.

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions short correspondence and memos.
  Ability to write simple correspondence.

• Ability to communicate with families and children in a positive and helpful manner.

• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers.
• Some Bilingual fluency helpful (English/Spanish or English and other languages
  present in the local area).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to add subtract multiply and divide using whole numbers and common
  fractions.
  
  REASONING SKILLS

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in
  written or oral form.
• Ability to interpret instructions and follow directions

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  
  
  H. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  The minimum requirement is that the individual be 18 years of age. This is an
  entry-level position requiring no previous education or experience unless there
  is a local or state regulation that requires a high school diploma or G.E.D. A high
  school diploma or G.E.D. is preferred. Ability to meet state requirements (i.e.
  kitchen and/or health permit) required.
  
  If applicable federal state or local Head Start or child care regulations now or as amended
  in the future contain additional requirements or qualifications for this position which are not
  specifically stated in this Job Description the requirements and qualifications will apply even
  if not specifically set forth in this Job Description.

Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local

area). Within 90 days of employment must obtain and continually maintain basic first

aid and pediatric CPR certification (or sooner if required by local/state regulations).

Acceptable tuberculosis screening results a clear criminal records check (including

child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and an initial health exam are

required post job offer and prior to employment. To drive agency vehicles (if applicable)

must have a valid drivers license and be insurable by the Meriden YMCA insurance

carrier and have a Motor Vehicle Record acceptable to Meriden YMCA. Current and

former Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which

they are qualified.

I. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• Some heavy lifting of case food lots is required. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Most kitchen work is completed in a standing position with a large percentage of time
  spent working with hot stoves ovens dishwasher and other kitchen appliances.
• Must be able to walk up and down two flights of stairs at least twice a day.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases and food borne illnesses.
• Noise level in work environment may be moderate to loud.
• Must be available for a variety of evening and weekend meetings as well as social
  and community events.
  
  The requirements of your Job Description are important in providing services to children
  and families and for keeping you children and co-workers safe during the work day. If
  you are unable to perform any of the functions required in your job description due to a
  disability you are invited to direct any requests for accommodation to the Program
  Director.