Cook 2

Community Action Wayne Medina is recruiting for the position of Cook 2 to support our early childhood education programs serving families throughout Wayne and Medina counties. At CAWM your work directly strengthens local families and advances our mission to engage the community with compassion while providing opportunities of hope that inspires individuals to reach their full potential. Employees are part of a collaborative values-driven culture grounded in respect and accountability with a four-day work week that supports meaningful work-life balance a comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities. If you are passionate about working with young children and want to make a lasting impact in your community we invite you to consider this opportunity.

JOB SUMMARY: Prepare deliver and serve nutritious meals in accordance with approved menus and CACFP guidelines supporting daily food service operations across Head Start sites. This role operates with increased independence in meal preparation coordination and kitchen operations including transporting meals and assisting with service in classroom settings to ensure a safe and positive mealtime experience for children. Maintain and model proper sanitation and food safety practices in both kitchen and classroom environments ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and all applicable Health Department ODA and FDA regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

1. Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure the quality timeliness and efficiency of meal preparation production and delivery.
2. Apply working knowledge of food service procedures to guide daily activities provide direction to others as needed and ensure compliance with all safety health and sanitation regulations.
3. Plan prepare and coordinate the delivery of meals in accordance with approved menus including accommodations for children with disabilities food allergies special dietary needs and cultural preferences.
4. Ensure safe and sanitary food preparation handling and transportation at all times; identify and report equipment or facility repair needs to the Nutrition Manager.
5. Maintain accurate and timely documentation including food production records temperature logs sanitation logs and transport documentation.
6. Complete inventory activities as assigned and support ordering processes to ensure adequate food and supply levels.
7. Ensure family-style meal service is implemented appropriately and that all equipment and dinnerware at center locations are properly maintained and accounted for.
8. Review menus in advance of food preparation to ensure readiness accuracy and appropriate substitutions as needed.
9. Pick up groceries and supplies and submit receipts and completed purchase orders in accordance with established procedures; coordinate routine orders (e.g. milk bread water) as needed.
10. Share and apply information related to childrens special dietary needs and communicate necessary updates to the Nutrition Manager to ensure appropriate meal modifications.
11. Utilize feedback from staff and children to support continuous improvement of food service delivery.
12. Build and maintain positive working relationships with center staff families and local health department representatives.
13. Maintain current knowledge of food preparation safety and regulatory requirements through ongoing training and professional development.
14. Support a safe environment for children and staff by following all agency safety procedures and ensuring compliance within the kitchen and service areas.
15. Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.
16. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications include:

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
2. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in food service including hands-on food preparation food ordering/receiving inventory control and adapting recipes to meet special dietary needs. Prior experience providing guidance or direction in a kitchen environment preferred.
3. Working knowledge of safe food handling sanitation and general kitchen operations with the ability to maintain compliance with all applicable food safety regulations.
4. ServSafe Person-in-Charge (PIC)/Level II certification required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe as a condition of continued employment.
5. Must possess a valid State of Ohio drivers license have reliable transportation and remain insurable in accordance with the Agencys vehicle insurance policy.
6. Strong interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team maintain a positive attitude and interact professionally with staff children and families.
7. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
8. Ability to communicate effectively with staff and the general public using empathy courtesy and good judgment.
9. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment prioritize tasks and remain calm under pressure.
10. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound day-to-day decisions within established guidelines.
11. Professional dependable and self-directed with a commitment to the mission of Community Action Wayne/Medina.
12. Basic computer skills sufficient to complete required documentation training and communication.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

While performing the functions of this position the employee works in an active kitchen environment within a Head Start program. Duties are performed indoors in food preparation and service areas with regular travel between the central kitchen and assigned Head Start centers for meal delivery and support. The position involves frequent interaction with staff and children and may include exposure to unpredictable behavior and contagious conditions.

The role includes exposure to typical kitchen conditions such as heat steam cold environments and wet or slippery floors. The employee must safely handle kitchen equipment sharp objects and cleaning and sanitation chemicals in accordance with established safety and food handling guidelines.

Regular travel between agency locations is required. The employee must possess a valid drivers license have reliable transportation and remain insurable under agency policy.

Note: This position is classified as medium work and requires standing walking bending and lifting or carrying food supplies containers and kitchen equipment.

Community Action Wayne/Medina is committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination of any kind. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race color religion sex national origin age disability mental condition sexual orientation marital status veteran status or any other status protected by federal state or local laws.

This job description has been reviewed to ensure it includes the essential functions and fundamental duties of the position. It serves as a general guideline for job expectations and the required capabilities to perform the role effectively. However it is not an exhaustive list of all tasks responsibilities skills or abilities associated with the position. Additional duties and requirements may be assigned at the discretion of supervisors as necessary.

This document does not constitute an employment contract. Employment with Community Action Wayne/Medina is at will meaning that either the employee or the organization may terminate employment at any time with or without cause or notice subject to applicable laws. The organization reserves the right to modify this job description or assign additional responsibilities as needed.