The Cook is a critical role within a large system of services provided to children and families. A strong food service program is important to supporting the goals of the Head Start/Early Head Start program. You will be responsible for the ordering, preparing, serving, and documentation of meals and snacks served to children, including following menus and all phases of kitchen operations, including inventory control.

You will contribute to the smooth operations and functioning of the kitchen in adherence to health and food safety codes and the strict cleanliness of the kitchen and food service and storage areas. You will prepare foods for infants and toddlers and/or preschool children following the USDA/CACFP standards. This role may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

As a front line representative of Save the Children, the position holder is required to ensure the safety and security of children and families that he/she comes in contact with and represents the agency values of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Prepare and serve food and assist in any food-related activities as directed and menus as approved by registered dietitian/nutritionist. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
• Make accommodations for special dietary needs.
• Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems. Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Oversee maintenance of inventory for all necessary supplies, food, and equipment used for food services operations.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain utensils and equipment used in an institutional kitchen.
• Adhere to and ensure sanitation requirements are met when storing, handling, and preparing food.
• Oversee full kitchen operations and may supervise additional staff or volunteer assistance (depending on size and scope of workload).
• Implement a cost-effective food service program according to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Ensure that standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements.
• Prepare and serve all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness.
• Deliver food to classrooms and other Centers, where applicable.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Organize self and manage time to get things done.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Build effective relationships within their workgroup and with children/families.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by manager.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, plus at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to service to children.
• Proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents, and families.
• Proven commitment to teamwork and customer service orientation.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Proven teamwork orientation and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children and infants/toddlers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards is preferred.
• Previous experience working with CACFP is preferred.
• Certification in ServSafe is preferred.
• Bilingual is preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area).

Compensation

The base pay for this position is starting at $15/hour. Actual base salary may vary based upon experience, credentials, base salary of internal peers, and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

Why you should join the Save the Children Team…

Save the Children US offers outstanding benefits that include health, dental, vision and life insurances, pet insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, an Employee Assistance Program, 403(b), generous vacation, personal sick leave, family leave, parental/adoption leave, commuter benefits, dress for your day, and much more.

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurances.
• Pet insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Generous vacation and personal sick leave.
• Family leave and parental/adoption leave.
• Commuter benefits.
• Dress for your day policy.

• High school diploma and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children.
• Strong teamwork and customer service orientation.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of working with preschool children and infants/toddlers.
• Ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Commitment to confidentiality and diversity.