Lead Cook East Wenatchee ECEAP

EPIC Early Learning is looking for a dedicated and skilled Lead Cook to join our team. As a private, nonprofit organization serving the Central Washington community for over 45 years, EPIC is committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and support services. Our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential through nurturing relationships, engaging experiences, and nutritious meals.

The ECEAP Lead Cook will play a vital role in promoting healthy eating habits among young children by planning and preparing well-balanced meals in accordance with USDA guidelines and ECEAP standards, and Health Safety regulations. This position requires a strong understanding of nutrition and dietary needs specific to early childhood, along with the ability to create appealing meals that cater to the varied tastes and preferences of young children.

High School Diploma or GED.

Minimum of one year commercial food preparation work experience.

Knowledge of quantity food preparation and ability to use a variety of food service equipment.

Speak, read, and write English capably, maintain accurate records and competent in basic arithmetic.

Ability to communicate for effective cooperation with food services and teaching staff. Maintain a positive rapport with all staff, children, and parents. Sensitivity to cultural, economic and language differences within program clients served.

Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, assuring that meals are prepared and ready to be served as per scheduled meal time periods.

Required Food Handlers Card.

Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and required auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare or direct preparation of all meals indicated on menus, in accordance with USDA, ECEAP  and other Child Development program guidelines.
• Follow menus provided, making changes only with the consent of the USDA Manager.  In case of emergency, improvise and make substitutions as necessary.
• Assume responsibility for the appropriate storage and disposal of unused food.
• Estimate food requirements and control serving portions, eliminating waste and leftovers.  Apportion food in accordance with USDA requirements and yield specified in standardized recipes.
• Maintain defined standards of sanitation and safety for food services staff, kitchen/storerooms, and
• kitchen equipment to comply with federal, state, and local health and safety codes.  Maintain clean and  safe kitchen, food prep and storeroom areas.
• Provide direction and assign work to other food services staff.  Orient and instruct food services employees in food services regulations, sanitary kitchen procedures, and proper use and care of equipment and supplies.
• Maintain a system to check, inspect and store all incoming foods and supplies.  Check incoming food and supplies received against original order and communicate any shortages or errors to the Food Services Manager.
• Work in cooperation with custodial staff in maintenance of equipment and supplies and the prope cleaning of food service area.  Check equipment and cooking area often to make sure they maintain safety and sanitation requirements.  Report repair and maintenance needs to the Assistant Center   Manager and the Food Services Manager.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date meal production information.  Submit all required records according to deadline dates.
• Attend in-service training, staff meetings, and parent meetings as requested; may assist in preparation of meals for these functions occurring at the site.
• Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPICs culture of “Speak Up, Speak Out.”

Pay Level: $18.00 to $20.00 perhour (9-month position)

Location: 1901 Rock Island Road East, Wenatchee, WA 98802

·         Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans

·         Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)

·         Paid Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)

·         Paid Holidays (11)

·         Employee Assistance Program

·         Basic Life Insurance

·         403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)

As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
2. Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
3. Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).
4. Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
5. Current Food Handlers card (obtain the training within 30 days of employment).
6. Current First Aid/CPR card (obtain within thirty 30 days of employment).
7. Complete Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training within 3 months of hire
8. Meet the minimum education requirements within the timeframe as stated in the performance standards.
9. Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
10. CEO Approval.