Cook

DescriptionSalary: $18.88-$21.35/hr.Position Summary:The Cook is responsible for exposing the children to delicious and nutritious foods in order to encourage children to make life-long positive and healthy lifestyle choices. Cooks connect their work to the health of a child and their family, so that they can be successful in Kindergarten and in life. They support the center in meeting and exceeding Head Start Program Performance Standards and other relevant regulatory requirements, maintaining detailed records across relevant areas. The position reports directly to the Program Director, with support from the Children's Aid Food Service Manager. Cook I (Partial Prep) works in an early childhood program that is based in a Community School. Whether it is delivering meals prepared by the DOE School Foods Department, or making snacks from scratch, all job responsibilities on this description should be followed.Cook II (Full Prep) works in an early childhood program that is based in Community Center. All three meals are prepared from scratch and all job responsibilities on this description should be followed.Essential Duties:Under the direct supervision of the site's Program Director, with support from Children's Aid Food Service Manager, the Cook's responsibilities include the following:Strategic OperationsUnderstand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and proceduresFood PreparationPrepare and serve all meals and snacks at the Early Childhood siteLearn and follow the Children's Aid menus and recipesRecord Maintenance, Contract CompliancePlace food requisitions on a weekly basisReceive food deliveries and signing off on invoices upon deliveryMaintain an up-to-date inventorySubmit daily written CACFP or Child and Adult Care Food Program food production recordsData AnalysisCollect and analyze data related to food consumption, inventory levels, and meal participation to optimize food service operations.Utilize Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspection reports to identify areas for improvement in custodial practices and implement corrective actions.Quality AssuranceConduct regular quality checks to ensure food is prepared and served according to standards.Ensure that all meals meet nutritional guidelines and standards set by the organization and regulatory bodies.Collaboration and CommunicationCoordinate with the Food Service Manager to align meal plans with educational themes or activities.Communicate effectively with the Program Director and staff, parents, and children about the menu, nutritional information, and any changes to meal service.Family EngagementParticipate in Healthy Cooking workshops for the familiesWelcome and include eligible parent volunteers in the kitchenRecruit new families for our program through tabling, advertising in the school community, and hosting recruitment eventsProfessional DevelopmentParticipate in offered trainings, workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferencesMaintain certification requirement and proof of attendance in professional activities Support the growth of the center including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment Check their Children's Aid email on a regular basisEngage in self-assessment and reflection coaching experiences such as completing self-assessment surveys, video recording, coaching, and collaboration sessions.Health and SafetyAdhere to all state and city licensing requirements, teacher child/ratios, and CPR/first aid certificationMaintain a healthy and safe environment (clean and organized kitchen and storage areas)In-person collaboration is an essential function of the jobPerform other duties as assignedMinimum QualificationsMust hold a valid Department of Health Food Handler's License issued by New York StateEducation Credential i.e. IEP/ Local/ HS Diploma or equivalent preferredKey CompetenciesMust have Food Handler's License issued by New York State Department of HealthDemonstrated ability to read and follow recipes, and to prepare foods from scratchExcellent cooking skillsAt least two years' experience managing a foodservice program and a kitchen, including ordering foodInterest in and some knowledge of healthy eatingFamiliarity with CACFP nutrition guidelines is considered a plusEffective communication skillsResourceful & dependableAt least 1-year experience working in a program serving infants and toddlers, and children with Special NeedsDedicated, excited and passionate about working with young children and familiesMust abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not to tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.QualificationsExperience2 years: At least two years' experience managing a foodservice program and a kitchen, including ordering food (required)1 years: At least 1-year experience working in a program serving infants and toddlers, and children with Special Needs (required)Licenses & CertificationsFood Handlers Certificate (required)Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.