Cook/Kitchen Substitute

Job PostingOPEN

Cook/Kitchen Substitute

Position: Cook/Kitchen Substitute

Program: Early Childhood Development

Reports to: Nutrition Manager

Status: Variable, up to 37.5 hours/week

Starting Wage: $16.00 hour

Job Function: The Cook / Kitchen Aide Substitute fills in as needed to ensure the successful delivery of food services for children ages 0–5. This position is responsible for preparing, cooking, receiving, and serving nutritious, CACFP-approved meals family-style. The Substitute maintains a clean, sanitary kitchen and dining environment in accordance with NYS Health Department ordinances, and assists with nutrition record-keeping and inventory management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Food Preparation and Service

o Prepare and cook nutritious, appealing meals and snacks according to child nutritional needs, age-specific portion sizes, and CACFP guidelines.

o Take into consideration children’s various cultures, individual nutritional needs, allergies, and dietary concerns.

o Serve meals family-style and participate in dining activities with children, volunteers, and teaching staff.

o Follow established menus, recording any changes on the center menu, and adjust items based on availability or individual child needs.

o Assist the Nutrition Manager in planning and participating in nutritious cooking activities with the children.

• Food Operations and Receiving

o Meet delivery personnel to receive food and supplies, signing daily delivery notices to acknowledge shipments.

o Review food and supply order sheets, ensuring efficient rotation of food stock and proper storage to avoid spoilage.

o Assist in the delivery of food to classrooms and monitor family-style dining in conjunction with teaching staff.

• Sanitation, Health, and Safety

o Strictly adhere to all health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during, and after meal preparation.

o Wear clean, neat attire daily and use food service gloves.

o Record temperatures of all hot dishes upon arrival and prior to serving to monitor and maintain proper food safety.

o Test bleach sanitation levels with test strips daily, record levels on appropriate paper, and report any concerns to the Nutrition Manager.

o Clean and sanitize all kitchen materials, dishes, silverware, serving dishes, glasses, pans, and carriers.

o Maintain kitchen cleanliness daily by sweeping and mopping floors, keeping counters free of clutter, and cleaning appliances (stove, refrigerator, freezers) inside and out.

o Monitor the proper functioning of all kitchen appliances daily and ensure the daily disposal of garbage and recyclables.

• Record Keeping and Professional Collaboration

o Assist the Nutrition Manager with timely nutrition record-keeping, including monthly reports, meal counts, daily menu worksheets, and regular food and supply inventories.

o Maintain open communication with the Nutrition Manager regarding general work concerns.

o Work closely and collaboratively with teaching staff, parent volunteers, and children.

o Attend all required trainings, staff meetings, and community meetings.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have knowledge of health and preparation practices in food service

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

NYS Driver's License preferred. Clearance through the NYS Child Abuse/Maltreatment Registry. Must complete NYS OCFS Daycare regulation trainings as required.

Other Qualifications

Initial Day Care Physical Exam and TB Testing. Fingerprinting for criminal background. Must be able to travel to all Head Start sites, training, visits, etc. as necessary and requested.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to handle, or feel and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and depth perception.

Interested candidates should apply using the application below or forward a resume and letter of interest via email to [email protected] or at the CAPCO Main Office, 32 N. Main St., Cortland, NY 13045**.**

CAPCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, and physical or mental disability. CAPCO will make reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates in adherence of the Americans with Disabilities Act and New York Human Rights Act.