Cook

Position Summary:

Assists the Food Production Supervisor with the preparation and service of breakfast, lunch and snack in accordance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Supports CAPSLO’s mission by ensuring that the food service operation runs smoothly and helps individuals and families in the community.

Required Education and Experience:

• Must have one year experience in institutional food service, commercial food service or culinary education program.
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience catering for large groups is preferred.
  

License & Certifications:

• Must successfully complete a certified Food Safety and Sanitation class within 6 months of beginning employment. (Not required for Substitutes)
• Must have dependable, insured transportation and valid California Driver’s License (mileage to be reimbursed) and acceptable driving record.
• A DMV printout and proof of insurance will be required.

Essential Functions:

• Assists in the preparation of breakfast, lunch and snack for children and staff, in accordance with Child and Adult Care Food Program requirements.
• Weighs, measures and packs food to be delivered to multiple centers, ensuring food temperature and quality.
• Assists in developing, testing and standardizing recipes.
• Assists with the receiving and storage of food service supplies, ensuring storage under proper conditions.
• Assists in maintaining records: Delivery Receipts, Equipment Service Record, Temperature Records, Invoices, and Kitchen Financial Records.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Keeps the work area in a clean and sanitary condition during food preparation, and cleans the kitchen thoroughly after meal service.
• Serves as driver for food service delivery vehicle. Communicates with Center Supervisors and Teachers daily about the contents of each delivery.
• Attends cook workshops and participates in career development activities.
• Assists with shopping for food and supplies at local markets.
• Washes dishes, cookware and utensils.
• Must be dedicated to the goals and objectives of Head Start and CAPSLO.
• Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices; and act in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients and children.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of sanitation and safe food handling procedures.

Skills:

• Must have excellent math skills, (i.e., fractions, multiplication, division, etc.).
• Must maintain good grooming, personal cleanliness and neatness.

Abilities:

• Must be able to read and write.
• Must be able to keep records.
• Must be able to relate well to all people of the community regardless of color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability or socio-economic level.
• Must understand, uphold, and continue working toward accomplishing the mission, strategic goals and performance measures of the agency.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a kitchen work environment and may include driving to stores and childcare centers.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical

• Position requires standing, walking, twisting, bending.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Grasping and hand manipulation required, as well as reaching above and below shoulder level.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age by date of hire.
• Must submit proof of current vaccination status for measles, pertussis, and influenza (or a current, signed influenza declination form) in compliance with SB 792.
• Must comply with the CAPSLO COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, either being fully vaccinated or sign a COVID-19 vaccination declination form.
• Must complete a health screening physical completed within 30 days prior to employment and a current TB skin test/Chest X-Ray.
• Employment is contingent upon meeting all job requirements and background requirements: criminal history check (Inclusive of DOJ, FBI and Child Abuse), acknowledgement of child abuse reporting responsibility, criminal record statement (Form LIC508), etc. A criminal history clearance is required prior to employment.
• Upon hire agency staff will check the Megan’s Law (or the current sexual predator website) to ensure each staff being hired is clear for employment. Program administrative staff will check the website annually to ensure all program staff are cleared to work.
• Must meet the Head Start Performance Standards and State requirements.
• Employment in Head Start, Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Programs is contingent upon approval of the Policy Council.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodations:

I have read and understand the Essential Functions of this position, including the Responsibilities and Duties. I also acknowledge that the Responsibilities and Duties for this position may change in the future with or without prior notice.

I further understand that I can request a reasonable accommodation, should one be necessary for me to carry out the Essential Functions of this position. I can perform these with or without reasonable accommodation.