Food Services Coordinator

Job Summary

The Cook/Food Service Coordinator is responsible for planning preparing serving and storing nutritious meals and snacks that support the health and development of young children. This position ensures that all food service operations comply with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards local health department regulations food safety requirements and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The Cook/Food Service Coordinator maintains a clean organized and sanitary kitchen while supporting childrens nutritional needs accommodating special dietary requirements and promoting a safe food service environment.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

Meal Planning and Food Preparation

• Plan prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks that meet the nutritional needs of children and comply with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements when applicable as well as center menus and approved recipes.
• Ensure meals are developmentally appropriate and accommodate documented food allergies medical dietary needs and approved dietary restrictions.
• Prepare portion and serve food in a safe sanitary and timely manner while maintaining required food temperatures and quality standards.

Food Safety and Kitchen Operations

• Maintain a clean organized and sanitary kitchen by following all food safety sanitation infection control and safe food handling procedures in accordance with Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards local health regulations and center policies.
• Receive inspect label store rotate and monitor food inventory to ensure product quality minimize waste and maintain adequate supplies.
• Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment promptly reporting maintenance or safety concerns to administration.

Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain accurate food service records including menus meal production temperature logs inventory and other required documentation to support licensing health department and CACFP compliance.
• Cooperate with licensing inspections health inspections and regulatory reviews while supporting the centers commitment to food safety and quality standards.

Health Safety and Risk Management

• Maintain a safe kitchen environment by properly storing food equipment cleaning supplies and hazardous materials while following established emergency procedures and reporting unsafe conditions promptly.
• Implement procedures to prevent cross-contamination and allergen exposure ensuring the safety and well-being of all children served.

Team Collaboration and Professionalism

• Collaborate with classroom staff and administration to ensure meals are prepared and delivered on schedule while communicating effectively regarding childrens dietary needs and special accommodations.
• Demonstrate professionalism dependability and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service while supporting the mission values and quality standards of the Child Development Center.
• Maintain required certifications training and continuing education in accordance with Texas licensing requirements food service regulations and Goodwill policies.

Supervisory Duties

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Pass all required HHSC background checks and licensing requirements.
• A criminal background check is required in accordance with applicable law and Goodwill policy.
• Valid drivers license and driving record acceptable to Goodwills liability insurance provider required.
• Must be willing to accept instructions and carry them out with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work and cooperate with others.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or GED preferred. Current Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain within the timeframe required by state or local regulations. At least one (1) year of experience preparing meals in a licensed childcare center school or healthcare setting. Experience with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal requirements preferred. Current pediatric CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain within required timeframe. Ability to complete all required preservice and annual training.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred; current Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
• At least one (1) year of experience preparing meals in a licensed childcare center school or healthcare setting; experience with USDA CACFP meal requirements preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of food allergies cross-contact prevention special dietary accommodations food safety and sanitation practices and safe food handling and temperature control; ability to prepare meals for young children.
• Strong organizational time management communication and teamwork skills; ability to work independently and efficiently; flexible dependable and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism; positive patient and professional demeanor; proficiency with computers and standard office software.

Core Competencies

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is typically required to:

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds; bend squat and kneel frequently; stand and walk for extended periods; move quickly in emergency situations.
• Push carts and transport food throughout the center; work in a hot kitchen environment with exposure to heat steam and cooking equipment.
• Requires regular interactions with children staff vendors health inspectors and licensing representatives; regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is performed in a childcare and hot kitchen environment. Noise levels range from quiet to loud. Regular exposure to heat steam cooking equipment cleaning chemicals and food products. Occasional outdoor exposure when transporting food or supplies.