Position Title:                  Cook

Reports To:                      Director, Children's Center

Payroll Classification:    Hourly - 20 hours a week, Non-Exempt

Starting Hourly Rate:      $24.00 - 26.00 per hour

Priority Filing Date:         Open Until Filled

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 *This is a part -time position that works 20 hours a week. The position is not eligible for benefits. 

The Cook is responsible for preparing and serving the breakfasts, lunches, snacks and suppers for the Children's Center.  The purpose is to serve meals that are delicious, diverse, attractive and nutritious in a manner that encourages positive attitudes about eating.  All meals must meet criteria for quantity, composition and quality as specified by the Child and Adult Care Food Program.  The Cook will work in collaboration with staff to implement the mission, philosophy and goals of the ASI Children’s Center Program.

·       Prepare menus – Plan at minimum, a 4-week cycle menu for breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and suppers.  Menu must be varied and include seasonal fruits and vegetables.  Although a cycle menu, new items must be introduced from time to time.

·       Supplies - Keep the kitchen pantry stocked with all ingredients needed for the menus. Prepare shopping lists, place orders, and shop as needed. Keep inventory of food and supplies; report equipment needs to Director.

·       Serving food - Prepare food for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and supper (supper is prepared ahead); portion food for individual classrooms and help deliver it; adapt foods for infants and children with allergies; store all leftover food properly and safely.

·       Record-keeping - Maintain accurate daily food program reports (menus, quantities required and used, numbers served) which are used to determine the reimbursement from the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

·       Cleaning - Maintain cleanliness of kitchen and equipment; clean up kitchen after meals; wash and store all food-preparation and serving equipment; clean all appliances regularly; clean and organize cupboards and food storage areas; assist with other housekeeping needs which are related to food service program.

·       Train and supervise assistants who help with serving and clean up.  Train them in effective preparation and cooking methods as well as kitchen safety.

·       Safety - Maintain strict adherence to safety procedures; attend and/or provide safety meetings monthly.  Participate in all required staff health and safety, Mandated Reporter, Child Abuse prevention trainings and emergency drills.  Maintain current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification.

·       Other duties as assigned.

Required to be a Mandatory Reporter and sign ASI Mandatory Reporter Form

Knowledge and Abilities:

·       Person must be interested in serving children, flexible in meeting varying needs, and capable of working with a variety of teaching staff. 

·       Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel preferred.

·       Must have knowledge of effective cooking techniques, food safety, and sanitation and must be able to follow and adjust recipes accurately. 

·       Must hold a food handling certificate.  

·       Must have an aptitude for learning and following proper record keeping.

·       Must have an interest in serving attractive meals to young children while understanding the principles and values of good nutrition for the developing child. 

·       Must be able to compute quantities accurately and to maintain careful records of quantities prepared and served. 

·       Must be able to work with the children and adults within the established structure and philosophy of the Children's Center. 

·       Lifting requirements 20 - 25 pounds with back and safety support. 

·       Must be able to stand for long periods of time. 

·       Must be physically able to perform the duties as outlined.

·       Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and interests. 

·       Must work effectively with coworkers, customers and others by sharing ideas in constructive and positive manner; listening to and objectively considering ideas and suggestions from others; keeping commitments; keeping others informed of work progress, timetables and issues; addressing problems and issues constructively to find mutually acceptable and practical business solutions; addressing others by name, title or other respectful identifier and respecting the diversity of our work force in actions, words and deeds.

Typical Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a kitchen.  Contact with staff, children, parents, visitors, and pets.  May come into contact with childhood viruses/diseases. Lifting requirements 20 - 25 pounds.  Must be able to stand for long periods of time. 

Typical Work Environment:

Foods, disinfecting solutions, noise, dirt/dust, fumes/odors, vibrations, gas stove, mechanical/electrical equipment, steam, inside, outside, temperature change, work with others.

Typical Mental Requirements:

Concentrating amid distractions, reading, perception, calculations, and comprehension.

Special Requirements:

·       Must be able to pass pre-employment TB test.

·       Must be able to provide proof of immunizations for pertussis, measles and flu (flu is optional with Declination of Vaccination form.)

·       Employment will be contingent on a satisfactory employment history, fingerprint criminal background checks and reference checks.

·       Subject to DMV Pull program requiring valid driver’s license, current auto insurance be on file at all times and must meet CSURMA driving standards.  May be required to drive occasionally as needed.

·       Required to be a Mandatory Reporter and sign ASI Mandatory Reporter Form.