Assistant Cook Job Description Policy Number and Last Update
(01.04.20/01-2011)
Title: Assistant Cook
Reports to: Health Services Coordinator
Supervises: None
FLSA: Non-Exempt
General Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Health Services Coordinator and with guidance from the contracted Nutritionist, the Assistant Cook assists other food service staff team members in serving the children nutritious, good tasting and appealing meals and snacks. It is the Assistant Cook's responsibility to help in the preparation of these meals and snacks by methods that maintain high nutrient levels and that are sanitary. The Assistant Cook also helps to deliver meals to the classroom ready for family style meal service and suitable for the children's age and development.
Essential Functions:
- Assists in the preparation of foods in accordance with the Illinois Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Project's Food Service Policy, Menus and Recipes.
- Assists with planning meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary helps to serve food of equivalent nutritional value.
- Assists in preparing meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
- Helps to maintain established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments, including: storing foodstuffs and supplies in appropriate areas; washing dishes; cleaning refrigerators, stove, bins, cupboards and other kitchen equipment and utensils; and, sweeping and mopping kitchen floors.
- Substitutes for the Cook in her/his absence.
- With the guidance of the contracted Nutritionist, helps modify menus and recipes and prepare foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.
- Helps deliver foods from the kitchen to the classrooms ready to be served as suitable for the children's age and development. (See guidance). Also, assists with preparing and packing food for children's field trips.
- Cooperates with and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, parents and children.
- Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.
- Attends and participates in grantee-sponsored trainings, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.
- Participates in the agency's self-evaluation process and grantee monitoring visits and complies with any applicable Program Improvement Plans developed.
- Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the grantee and delegate agency as requested.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.
RECOMMENDED EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
It is preferred that the Assistant Cook have training in foods, nutrition, dietetics, and/or child food preparation and management. A commitment to secure continuing education related to employment with the Agency is required.
Experience:
Demonstrated skills in preparing the children's food in a nutritious, good tasting and appealing manner. Experience in child food service preparation and management desirable. Knowledge of CACFP requirements also desirable. Knowledge of the challenges and strengths of low-income and migrant families. Effective oral and written communication skills commensurate with the responsibilities of the position are required. Bilingual, both oral and written, ability (English/Spanish) is preferred.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to pass a physical exam every two years and a TB test yearly. Must be able to comply with background check, including fingerprints, as required by the agency and/or Illinois Licensing Agency. Successful experience working as an effective member of a team. Ability to present a positive image of the organization to members of the community. Visual acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed. Must be free of communicable diseases and breathing impairments. Manual dexterity sufficient to: use kitchen utensils and equipment, wash dishes, and perform cleaning responsibilities. Must have effective organizational, problem solving, and time management skills. Ability to learn and comprehend information from Procedures Manuals and other materials. Must be able to physically move through the center and classrooms. Ability to lift 55 pounds is required. Experience successfully working with a culturally diverse staff & clients desirable. Regular access to a reliable vehicle, a valid Illinois driver's license and vehicle insurance is preferred. Must possess personal qualifications as required in Section 407.100 of the Illinois Licensing Standards for Day Care Centers, including: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of Head Start, respect for children and adults from various cultures and backgrounds, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that do not interfere with responsibilities.
Working Conditions:
Tasks that involve infrequent possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highway, side streets and rural roads during business travel, including occasional evening and weekend meetings and events. Tasks that involve handling implements or utensils, use of public or shared bathroom facilities or telephones and personal contacts are Category III tasks. Possible exposure to communicable diseases. This job involves standing for long periods as well as stooping, squatting, lifting and climbing. Must be able to travel, enter, and exit a vehicle without assistance and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions. Proper clothing, shoes and hair restraints according to Health Department Standards are to be worn daily.
The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties.
