COOK (ECEAP)

Position Summary: The Cook supports the daily preparation and delivery of nutritious meals and snacks for children enrolled in EPIC programs. This position ensures all food is prepared and served in accordance with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, Performance Standards, and health and safety regulations. Working under the direction of the Lead Cook the Cook helps maintain a clean and organized kitchen, assists with food inventory, and promotes a positive mealtime experience for young children that supports their growth and development. This role may also support classroom staff during meal service as needed. Benefits: Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll) Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll) (9) Paid Holidays Education Scholarship Available Employee Assistance Program Basic Life Insurance 403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours) Essential Job Functions: 1. Prepare or direct preparation of all meals indicated on menus, in accordance with CACFP guidelines. 2. Follow all dietary accommodations submitted by the Food Service Manager. 3. Prepare the meal carts with dishes and serving utensils needed for serving meals in classrooms. 4. Complete food orders in a timely manner for the approximate amount of children the center serves utilizing the food-buying guide. 5. Assume responsibility for the appropriate storage and disposal of unused food. 6. Estimate food requirements and control serving portions, eliminating waste and leftovers. 7. Apportion food in accordance with USDA requirements and yield specified in standardized recipes. 8. Perform cleaning of the kitchen to comply with federal, state, and local health and safety codes. 9. Plan and prepare snacks and meals that meet USDA and ECEAP Performance Standards. 10. Maintain clean and safe kitchen, food prep and storeroom areas. 11. Provide guidance to the supporting staff to orient and instruct food services in food services regulations, sanitary kitchen procedures, and proper use and care of equipment and supplies. 12. Maintain a system to check, inspect and store all incoming foods and supplies. Check incoming food and supplies received against original order and communicate any shortages or errors to the Food Services Manager. 13. Work in cooperation with custodial staff in maintenance of equipment and supplies and the proper cleaning of food service area. Check equipment and cooking area often to make sure they maintain safety and sanitation requirements. 14. Keep accurate, up-to-date meal production information. Submit all required records according to deadline dates. 15. Attend in-service training, staff meetings, and parent meetings as requested; may assist in preparation of meals for these functions occurring at the site. 16. Be committed to applying EPIC’s Core values to daily work by maintaining professionalism, accountability, consistency with program standards, and promptly reporting observed concerns through appropriate channels and following our Speak Up, Speak Out guidelines. Other Job Functions: 1. Articulate EPIC’s mission, values and policies to staff and clients; demonstrate commitment to mission, values and policies in the performance of daily duties. 2. Adhere to the values that reflect the working culture at EPIC. Thus, honoring and modeling these values as you carry out your duties on a daily basis. 3. Communicate effectively by sharing concerns openly and honestly with appropriate staff members, observes confidentiality in all dealings related to program, staff and families. 4. Provide and maintain a safe, healthy, responsive and nurturing learning environment for all children by modeling professional behavior, open communication, embodying a culture of safety and utilizing effective conflict resolution skills. Working Conditions/Physical/ Mental Abilities and Processes: 1. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. 2. Work requires long periods of standing, walking, lifting, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, pulling, carrying, squatting, twisting, turning, and reaching. 3. Ability to lift up to a maximum of 50 pounds. 4. Ability to feel or grip objects. Use repetitive motions involved with food preparation, work from an awkward position to accomplish cleaning equipment. 5. Work also requires standing during the majority of the work shift. Additional Skills and Conditions: Excellent people skills. Sound and mature judgment. Work positively in a team setting. Demonstrate creativity, hard work, and be willing to try new approaches. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail. Excellent organizational skills and ability to effectively manage workloads and meet deadlines. Ability to deal effectively and positively with staff, students and the public. Other duties as assigned. Equipment Operated: Personal computer, telephone, copy and fax machines Conditions of Employment: 1. Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee. 2. Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee). 3. Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). 4. Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella. 5. Current Food Handlers card (obtain the training within 30 days of employment). 6. Current First Aid/CPR card (obtain within thirty 30 days of employment). 7. Complete Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training within 3 months of hire 8. Meet the minimum education requirements within the timeframe as stated in the performance standards. 9. Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training. 10. CEO Approval. High School Diploma or GED. Minimum of one year commercial food preparation work experience. Knowledge of quantity food preparation and ability to use a variety of food service equipment. Speak, read, and write English capably, maintain accurate records and competent in basic arithmetic. Ability to communicate for effective cooperation with food services and teaching staff. Maintain a positive rapport with all staff, children, and parents. Sensitivity to cultural, economic and language differences within program clients served. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, assuring that meals are prepared and ready to be served as per scheduled meal time periods. Required Food Handlers Card. Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and required auto insurance.