POSITION TITLE: Cook (Full time 40 hrs/wk)

CLASSIFICATION:  Non-Exempt 

DEPARTMENT:  Head Start

SUPERVISOR: Head Start Administrator 

GRADE: NE5 $13.25 ($27,560.00) - $19.87 ($41,329.60)

Position Summary:

Under direct supervision the Cook is responsible for preparing, purchasing, storing and serving food in accordance with USDA/Nevada Department of Education guidelines. Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

· Provides training to parents and community about nutrition. 

· Completes and maintains required food program reports. 

· Takes meals census daily (records number of meals to staff, parents and children). 

· Keeps accurate records for the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). 

· Ensures that food shopping is completed in a timely manner and within budget constraints.

· Responsible for completing and submitting required nutrition forms to the Central Head Start Office by the required due date. 

· Participates in all phases of the Head Start training program. 

· Responsible for the Nutrition Component of the Center curriculum. 

· Prepares snacks and meals in accordance with planned menus and USDA meal requirements. 

· Purchases food within budgetary and meal requirements. 

· Plans or adjusts menus to meet USDA meal requirements. 

· Documents refrigerator/freezer temperatures daily. 

· Completes nutritional assessments of each child and records the information in the child’s file; makes referrals to the Programs Manager. 

· Checks nutritional habits of the children. 

· Keeps track of any allergies to specific foods. 

· Tracks and interprets child growth charts. 

· Communicates with parents about their children’s nutritional needs. 

· Assists with lesson planning in cooperation with the Center staff. 

· Prepares and presents new food experiences to the children, emphasizing traditional Washoe foods as well as other cultural foods. 

· Introduces new foods ant the Pyramid Food Chart concept. 

· Guides the children to set and clean-up tables. Guides the children in sanitation and hand washing techniques. 

· Guides the children with menu planning and meal preparation. 

· Assists staff members in carrying out daily classroom activities under the direction of the Teacher. 

· Responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of the kitchen/dining area. 

· Attends all center Parent Committee meetings and assists with the parent program. 

· Obtains an annual physical and TB test. 

· Provides appropriate substitute when absent from work.

· Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

· High School Diploma or GED plus one year food service experience. 

· Must possess and maintain a valid California or Nevada driver’s license or capable of obtaining one within thirty-days (30) of employment. 

· Must be able to be insurable by the Tribe’s Driving Policy. 

· Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

· Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions. 

· Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.

· Knowledge of how to prepare well-balanced and nutritious meals.

· Knowledge of proper and safe food handling, storage, and disposal requirements.

· Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.

· Ability to interpret food service requirements of the USDA/Nevada State Department of Education.

· Ability to communicate effectively in the English language both verbally and in writing.

· Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.

· Ability to safely operate various cooking equipment and kitchen appliances.

· Ability to work extended hours and various work schedules.

· Ability to work independently and meet strict time lines.

· Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.

· Ability to demonstrate excellence in everything, and continually seek improvement in results.

· Ability to prepare accurate, complete, and legible reports.

· Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, requirements, ordinances, and legislation.

· Skill in preparing food for groups of people.

· Skill in handling sharp knives, and other cutting utensils.

· Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.

· Certified Food Handler.

· Certified in CPR and First Aid.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to walk; and sit. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a kitchen environment with a moderate noise level. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work may be required. 

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada & California requires a background check of each new hire for employment purposes. Therefore, all conditionally offered positions will be subject to the following:

• Negative alcohol and drug screen
• Meet requirements of Public Law 101-630
• Obtain or possess a valid driver’s license for either the state      of Nevada or California within 30 days
• Must be insurable under the Washoe Tribe’s driving policy 
• Preference will be given to      qualified Native American Indians