Cook

Job Summary

Work as an effective team member at each site as assigned. Prepare and maintain food at appropriate temperature, have knowledge or be willing to learn the Department of Health rules, regulation, and Head Start Program Performance Standards. Gain knowledge of proper food preparation, temperature control, sanitation, and portion sizes. Help to train new cooking staff. When applicable, and as assigned, substitute for other absent staff to insure appropriate nutritious age-appropriate meals are prepared in a Head Start program.

• Assembles food, dishes, utensils, and supplies needed for timely meal preparation.
• Prepares high‑quality nutritional food, in quantity, as directed by the Child Adult Care food program.
• Follows standardized recipes.
• Adheres to sanitation and safety procedures prescribed for the Head Start kitchen.
• Assures that food temperatures are hot or cold enough and that kitchen areas are sanitary so that health standards are maintained.
• Washes dishes, pots, pans, and utensils using approved sanitation methods.
• Returns all items to their proper storage site.
• Completes routine maintenance of kitchen and equipment, including weekly deep cleaning.
• Delivers meals to classrooms as assigned.
• Orders and maintains supplies as needed.
• Responsible for receiving orders from vendors, ensuring that proper items have been delivered.
• Responsible for menu planning.
• Maintains food inventories.
• Reconciles meal services for submission to Child Adult Care food program monthly.
• Ability to problem‑solve and respond appropriately to the unexpected (food shortages, equipment malfunctions, etc.) while adhering to meal schedules.

• Minimum of high school diploma (Associate’s of Arts degree preferred).
• Strong knowledge of large‑scale food production.
• Working knowledge of sanitation and safety procedures.
• Working knowledge of inventory systems.
• Driver’s license preferred; may be required in some centers.
• Must have a food handler’s card prior to employment.
• Ability to obtain a manager‑certified food handler’s card within 90 days of hire.
• Must obtain CPR & First Aid certification within 30 days of employment.
• Position is contingent upon the successful completion of a federal background check.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and use hands to handle or feel.

The employee is regularly required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to forty‑five pounds. The employee must have specific vision abilities required for this job, including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

I have read and received a copy of my job description on the date indicated below. I understand that it is my responsibility to read and become familiar with my job description and any subsequent changes that I receive. I understand that BVCAP Head Start may add to, delete, correct, or update any or all of the information in the job description in accordance with changing performance standards, policies, procedures, and regulations.

The job description is not necessarily a list of the entire responsibilities for the position but a summary of those that are of primary importance.

I further understand that this job description does not create any contractual obligations between BVCAP Head Start and myself. No verbal representations may be deemed to alter or oppose the content and intent of the job description.

By entering my name below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions listed above, and that doing so will act as my information.

Disclaimer: “This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with this position. Nothing in the job description restricts BVCAP’s Head Start’s right to change, assign, or re‑assign duties and responsibilities at any time for any reason.”