Cook - Substitute, Head Start

Our Cook prepares and serves nutritious hot meals appropriate for children, parents, and staff in Children’s Services Program.  The cook prepares approximately 80-120 meals a day This position will also be responsible for purchasing the necessary food items at a local grocery store.

Our agency provides employees with a positive work environment and the ability to balance work & home.

This position is temporary position working as needed. Position starts out at $18.00 per hour and serves the Lompoc & Buellton areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  Other duties may be assigned. 

• Follows appropriate fiscal procedures in order to obtain kitchen equipment and supplies as needed.
• Completes accurate daily documentation and monthly reports of meals served.
• Prepares and serves daily nutritious hot meals and snacks that meet CACFP guidelines
• Cleans kitchen facilities, washes dishes, pots and pans following the meal.
• Knowledge in using food slicer, food mixer, knives, dish washer, food scales and other equipment normally associated with an institutional kitchen and safety precautions for using this equipment.
• Helps take physical inventory of food and kitchen supplies.
• May be required to use personal transportation to purchase food supplies.  Mileage compensation provided.
• Attends regular meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Maintain a sanitary and clean kitchen on a daily basis.
• Must be conscious of grocery purchases to ensure best cost and quality for items.
• Engages with coworkers, parents, volunteers, and children in a friendly and professional manner.
• Participates in monthly staff meeting and case conferencing as integral team member in planning and communication.
• Must be sensitive to children with special needs, the needs of low-income families, and cultural diversity.
• Is aware of all center’s children with food allergies, and ensures they receive the doctor recommended substitutions.
• Completes accurate daily documentation and monthly reports of meals served.
• Perform related duties as required. 

Knowledge, Skill & Ability Required: 

Cook I: Prepare and cook for 20-40 children a day and/or a total of two program options (preschool, toddler, or infant) and classroom teachers who will role model family style dining.  

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or GED preferred.  Two years’ experience as a kitchen helper with CommUnify or comparable experience in food preparation for groups required, or equivalent combination of education and experience 

Computer Skills: To perform this position successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software; and Word Processing software. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  Current Valid California Driver's License and proof of insurance with ability to qualify for coverage under Agency insurance plan.  

Other Skills and Abilities  Bilingual preferred. Must hold or obtain ServSafe certificate.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to fingers, handle, or feel; speak; and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

CommUnify, EOE