ORCCA: Feed • House • Warm • Educate

TITLE: Cook
SALARY: IV
HOURS WORKED: 19 - 40 hrs/week, 35 - 52 weeks per year as determined by job site.
SUPERVISED BY: Area Manager
STAFF SUPERVISED: Assistant Cook, if applicable.

POSITION PURPOSE: Food purchasing and some meal planning.  Prepare meals for specified classes daily and complete daily paperwork.  Work with teaching team, parents and children.  Participate in training programs as designated by supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Food preparation and planning: (75%)
   • Use planned rotation menus for classes, along with cook's choice.
   • Purchase food weekly or twice weekly using prepared shopping lists.
   • Prepare food daily.
   • Maintain sanitary guidelines based on state and program guidelines.
   • Attractively present food to children and role model good eating habits.
   • Present mini nutrition lesson at parent meetings or present cooking classes.
2. Paper work and posting information (10%)
   • Complete USDA attendance sheets daily.  Turn in attendance sheets and menus to area manager on last working day of month.
   • Post menus by first day of each month and give to parents one month in advance.
   • Post allergies before child's first eating experience.
   • Post kitchen volunteer guidance in September.
   • Use purchase order system when shopping and return all receipts to site manager.
   • Complete nutrition survey with each parent during first week of class.
3. Teamwork (10%)
   • Available to meet with nutritionist and/or supervisor monthly.
   • Encourage parent involvement in the kitchen, and familiarize parents with sanitation practices.
   • Meet with teaching team weekly and center team monthly.
   • Work with teaching team to provide children with opportunity to participate in food preparation and projects.
   • When possible, eat with children.
   • Do, or delegate, Nutrition Train with children.  Rotate presenting to each table.
   • When possible, visit with children in the classroom, giving positive feedback on projects.
4. Attend meetings and trainings monthly. (5%)
5. Maintain a positive attitude regarding the Head Start program and philosophy.
6. Model behaviors that demonstrate an understanding, acceptance and welcoming of diversity.

*Perform other jobs as designated by your supervisor, Project Director or Agency Director.  Employee may occasionally be asked to work alternate hours and days.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Four years paid experience and/or training directly related to the Position Description.  An Associate Degree or Certificate in a related field may be substituted for up to two years paid experience.
• GED or High School Diploma
• Ability to communicate and work with children and families
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative as well as ability to work with a team
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Willingness to follow program food philosophy.
• Current Oregon Food Handler’s card or ServSafe® Food Safety Certification.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Ability to bend and lift dishwasher trays
• Ability to lift and carry bags of groceries
• Ability to work on feet for extended periods
• Physically able to perform essential job responsibilities.  May lift items up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Geographic area: Coos and Curry Counties
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated by the supervisor based on the input from appropriate staff relative to: attitude, skills and knowledge.  All employees’ formal evaluation will be conducted in the winter. 

New Employee or New Position (first two years of either) performance goals will be set in the fall and reviewed/updated before the end of the program year.

OTHER:

• A current Oregon Drivers License is required.
• A good driving record is necessary.
• Proof of automobile liability insurance
• Reliable transportation
• Must be drug-free
• Must be able to pass mandated Oregon Employment Department Child Care Division Criminal History Registry Background Check.
• First Aid/CPR certification
• Health Appraisal
• Able to drive long distances
• Ability to sit at meetings for as long as four hours at a time.
• Ability to work in excess of eight hours per day and during evenings as required.

SIGNATURES & DATES - The following signatures are required to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the Job Description; that essential functions are aligned with organization goals and objectives; to validate that it is clear, concise and supports compliance with legal considerations; and employee understanding of the job requirements.  NOTE: Because jobs change, management reserves the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

NOTE: The specific statements reflected in each section of this position description are not intended to be all-inclusive, but rather the basic elements and criteria considered necessary in order to satisfactorily perform the duties associated with the position

• Application 2010 for Child Care Jobs ONLY

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (items to return with application)

-- Incomplete applications will not be accepted. --
You MUST have the below items included in order for your application to be processed.

• Application
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Copy of any Degree
• Copy of any Certificates related to position
• References – 3 personal and 3 professional