Lead Cook: Chanute

Reports to: Nutrition Services Manager Department: Early Childhood Services

Classification: Full-time, Summers off Status: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for guaranteeing children are served nutritious, tasteful, appealing meals and snacks according to CACFP guidelines. Prepare breakfast, lunch, and/or snack for enrolled children, staff, and visitors. Supervise the kitchen staff to ensure daily function of all food service activities meets established expectations. Uphold and ensure all meals/snacks prepared meet the Department of Health rules and regulations and Head Start Performance Standards. Plan and conduct nutritional learning experiences, purchase all food, and supplies necessary and keep records required by CACFP. Gain knowledge of proper food preparation, temperature control, sanitation, and portion sizes. Provide cross training to assure the delivery of high quality, timely meals, and snacks during days of operation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Menu & Meal Planning

Prepare well-balanced, nutritious, appetizing meals daily by accurately following menus and recipes provided by the Nutrition Services Manager, ensuring that meals are prepared on time and correct portions are served at the appropriate temperature.

Prepare an appropriate amount of food utilizing standards set by CACFP.

Plans meals in advance to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval by Nutrition Services Manager, purchases and serves food of equivalent nutritional value.

With the guidance of the Nutrition Services Manager, modify menus and recipes and prepare foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.

Review menus to determine food requirements including variety and quantity of food for preparation.

Prepare a wide variety of foods in accordance with provided recipes following the established monthly menus provided by Nutrition Services Manager.

Contact Nutrition Services Manager for guidance if the menu must be modified.

Prepare food for special events as needed.

Food Safety & Inventory

Observe good sanitation practices in all aspects of food preparation, food service and clean-up.

Food temperatures must be taken at appropriate times and recorded as required.

Responsible for receiving and storing food and supplies in accordance with all food safety and sanitation guidelines and regulations.

Purchase supplies and equipment needed for daily cooking activities.

Requisition for supplies as needed.

Report any malfunctioning kitchen appliance to Center Manager.

Program Coordination & Collaboration

Share duties with the Prep Cook for efficient functioning of food service program.

Educate customers on nutritional values and food groups when requested.

Work with teachers to plan learning experiences weekly which focus upon good nutrition for children. These food experiences are to be developmentally appropriate, varied in content, and designed to promote self-help, fine motor, social, and cognitive skills.

Supervision & Compliance

Submit Cook’s Report to Nutrition Services Manager monthly.

Follow current CACFP guidelines and expectations.

Comply with Head Start Performance Standards, and Program Policies.

Utilize Positive Behavior Support (PBS) strategies to prevent and defuse disruptive behavior.

Supervises kitchen staff on daily functioning of food service program.

Complete and submit performance appraisals for staff directly supervising.

Professional Expectations

Maintain regular, reliable attendance to ensure consistency and safety for children.

Collaborate with classroom staff to maintain a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.

Demonstrate professionalism by actively advocating for SEK-CAP, Inc. within the community and serving as a strong advocate for Head Start children and families.

Respecting and supporting cultural differences and diverse family structures while maintaining strict confidentiality and privacy of all those involved with SEK-CAP. Through these actions, the Lead Teacher upholds the agency’s mission and fosters trust, inclusivity, and positive relationships with families and the community.

Ability to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with co-workers, community partners, and customers.

Demonstrate a strong work ethic by adhering to schedules, following supervision directives, and complying with all agency policies and procedures.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

Basic computer skills General PC knowledge, must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, Email and Digital Calendars

Basic operation skills of general office equipment such as photocopiers, faxes, and phone systems.

Superior interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature, and flexible.

Ability to meet and deal tactfully with the public and to communicate effectively and clearly both orally and in writing.

Resourceful and well organized.

Ability to learn and adapt.

Desired:

Experience cooking for groups of 20 or more.

Ability to calculate serving quantities, adjust recipes, and manage portion sizes.

Efficient knife skills and safe kitchen practices.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED required.

Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of employment.

Successfully complete a physical exam and TB skin test before beginning employment and every three years thereafter, with the exception of a diagnosed medical condition requiring annual exams.

Pass criminal history background check and drug screening.

Possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under agency coverage.

Basic math skills to maintain accurate CACFP documentation.

Strong time management skills to maintain meal service schedules.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

Ability to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.

Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Ability to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed throughout the day.

Regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

The work environment may include occasional exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, outdoor weather, and temperature extremes such as heat and cold. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate but can be loud.

Other:

Layoff is dependent upon agency’s need or availability of work.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health insurance

Paid sick time

Paid vacation

Paid life insurance

Paid training

Vision insurance

Weekly day range:

Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

SEK-CAP, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, dis