Center Aide-Cook Aide

Focus: HOPE Early Learning

Job Title: Center Aide- Cook Aide

Head Start; On-Call Part-time

Shift Timing: 11 am to 4.30 pm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Cook Aide will perform routine tasks, including manual preparation, seasoning, and cooking. And will also be responsible for cleaning the work area, equipment, and utensils. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Preferred high school diploma or GED certification. If the candidate does not have either, they will be provided with a 6-month grace period to enter a GED or high school diploma certification program. Once entered, they will be granted 1 year to complete the certification from the time of hire. 
• If the candidate has a high school diploma or GED certification upon hire, they will be provided with a 6 month-1 year grace period to sign up for a CDA certification program. Upon each candidate’s entry into the certification program, they will be granted 1 year to complete their CDA requirement.
• Maintain knowledge of Licensing and Performance Standards
• Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills, ability to be flexible.
• Must possess good verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Obtains necessary components of meals to meet CACFP regulations to ensure all daily food requirements are met.
• Prepares and serves all food according to established guidelines.
• Sanitize bowls, pans, utensils, work surfaces, and other areas within the kitchen.
• Portion food servers in accordance with CACFP guidelines.
• Actively participates in menu planning.
• Maintains records in accordance with specified guidelines.
• Maintains a clean and organized work area.
• Adheres to Head Start regulations and federal and state standards regarding food preparation and distribution.
• Communicate effectively with staff, parents, and children on CACFP program and Head Start performance standards as needed.
• Ensures children with food restrictions have appropriate food substitutions.
• Responsible for following CACFP documentation as it relates to the kitchen, menu, menu substitution log, menu as served, temperature logs for refrigerator, hot and cold food, attendance-meal attendance sheets, and meal counts.
• Maintains CACFP documentation at the local site and submits required documentation for CACFP as assigned.
• Ensures that all food substitutions are met and monitored.
• Maintains CACFP documentation for current year plus previous 3 years
• Maintains confidentiality as it relates to home and school environment.
• Ensure the site has snacks, i.e., pick up from the main kitchen weekly.
• Cooperates in any investigation related to personnel, licensing, accreditation, or other circumstances.
• Attends all agency and departmental meetings and training as required.
• Performs other reasonable related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management.
• This position is no more than 30 hours per week.

The employee fulfilling this job is accountable to the assigned supervisor for the completion of assignments and for the high standards of accuracy, attention to detail, and timely completion of work. Expectations include: a pleasant, empathetic, sensitive, and professional demeanor, a positive attitude, and a willing spirit. The employee must be willing to engage in professional development efforts as available to the position and required by their supervisor. Strong commitment to civil and human rights.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Deputy Director

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

Benefits:

· Paid Vacation Time

· Paid Sick Time

· 13 Paid Holidays Per Year

· Medical

· Dental

· Vision

· 401K Match

· AFLAC (Voluntary)

· EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

· FSA Plan (Flex Spending Account)

· Paid Parental Leave (Up to 4 Weeks)

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Strong commitment to civil and human rights.
• Knowledge of janitorial/cleaning practices.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds as needed.
• Ability to work in a standing position as required.
• Dexterity.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.
• Oral and written communication skills.

Focus: HOPE is an equal opportunity employer. Focus: HOPE does not discriminate in its hiring, promotion, transfer, discipline, or termination practices against any employee based on race, gender, religion, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, or handicap or disability unrelated to an employee’s ability to perform his or her job.  As a part of this commitment, Focus: HOPE will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please email [email protected] describing the accommodation.