KTIK Head Start Cook

Title: Nutrition Provider
Position: Full Time / 52 Weeks
Location: Kickapoo Head Start
Supervisor: Assistant Director

Position Purpose

To ensure the compliance of the performance standards in the preparation, storage, and clean up of meals provided to/by Head Start. Develop and maintain required records and systems, assure food delivery to classrooms and prepare meals per USDA and Head Start standards. To provide nutrition education in the classroom.

Essential Job Responsibilities for Nutrition Provider - Performance Indicators

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks a day that meet Head Start and USDA nutrition requirements.


• Plan the work schedule so that food production flows smoothly


• Develop and follow standardized recipes, and use portion control methods, including the weighing of meal components.


• Ensure that meals are prepared on schedule.


• Use initiative, judgment, and creativity in seasoning food, estimating amounts to be prepared, utilizing leftovers, and preparing attractive food.


• Use food production and food storage procedures that are acceptable to the Registered Dietician


• Maintain daily menu production records.


• Prepare monthly menus for program and monthly food lists for parent meetings.


• Prepare vendor weekly food lists.


• Assist in maintaining Special Diet list with other staff.


• Track and assist in ordering food and non-food items and receipts of food service venders


• Reconcile weekly inventory of food and supplies.


• Assist in reconciliation of invoices as requested.


• Responsible for efficient main kitchen operation including giving direction to substitute nutrition providers.


• Ensure that the kitchen operation needs, issues or problems are communicated to the Assistant Director in a timely and professional manner.

Nutrition Provider Job Description                                                                 

• Respond efficiently and appropriately to the unexpected (staff shortages, equipment malfunctions etc.) while maintaining strict meal schedules


• Assist in receiving orders from vendors, ensuring that proper items have been delivered.


• Adhere to sanitation and safety procedures prescribed for the Head Start kitchens, i.e. proper food temperatures, storage and preparation guidelines.


• Assemble food, dishes, utensils and supplies needed for timely meal preparation.


• Prepare and sort food for meals.


• Wash dishes, pots, pans and utensils using approved sanitation methods.


• Return all items to their proper storage site.


• Complete routine maintenance of kitchen and equipment, including weekly deep cleaning.


• Maintain good personal appearance and hygiene.


• Take monthly food inventory and place order or purchase items needed; give copy to Assistant Director


• Plan and complete routine cleaning and maintenance of kitchen and equipment.


• Keep records of food purchases and record quantities of foods prepared on a daily basis.


• Help to integrate the kitchen into Head Start programs by participating in nutrition education activities.


• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with Head Start staff and parents.


• Communicate and problem solve with Assistant Director


• Attend in-service training and staff meetings.


• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Required

• Previous experience in a large-scale food production operation.


• Ability to work independently,


• Knowledge of quantity food preparation, equipment, and food purchasing.


• Skill in handling sensitive situations and information in a professional manner.


• Ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.


• Significant diagnostic and problem solving skills.


• Ability to handle highly stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.


• Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.


• Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.


• Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.


• Ability to stand for long periods of time.


• Strong organization and time management skills, ability to meet deadlines.


• Ability to file documents, make copies, faxing, etc.


• Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds, stooping, bending, standing, and reaching.


• Valid Driver's License.


• Employment conditional upon results of the following:

Nutrition Provider Job Description                                                                 

• Passing Criminal background checks and selection procedures

1. Passing Drug Screen


2. Verifying Reference Check


3. Recent Physical and Negative TB Test


4. CPR / First Aid Certified