Cook

JOB SUMMARY: 

• Plans, organizes, prepares and delivers the nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for children and educators in accordance with company guidelines and outside regulatory agencies.   

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Food Preparation/Delivery 

• Follows guidelines set forth by the company as well as any outsides authorized agencies using appropriate procedures in food preparation and food storage
• Plans work schedule so food production flows smoothly and efficiently
• Ensures that meals are prepared and served on schedule with appropriate temperature control
• Uses initiative, judgment and creativity in seasoning food, estimating amounts to be prepared (allowing for second helpings), utilizing leftovers and preparing and serving attractive, good-tasting food
• Posts and follows approved menus and posts approved nutritionally sound substitutions as needed
• Posts any child’s food allergy alerts in kitchen with child’s current picture, name and detailed description of allergy
• Supports and implements family style food service. 

Miscellaneous 

• Ensures that kitchen area/storage area complies with company and outside regulatory agencies guidelines including sanitation and health standards
• Prepares for approval reordering of inventory to ensure that children’s needs are met while meeting overall budgetary goals
• Maintains positive, supportive relationships with educators, children, parents and regulatory officials
• Maintains good personal appearance and personal hygiene 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Ability to perform each essential function satisfactorily and meet the Education/Experience, Personal Skills/Characteristics, Language Skills, Mathematical Skills, Reasoning Ability, Physical Conditions, Work Environment and Environmental Conditions listed below.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

• Must be 18 years of age
• HS Diploma or equivalent required
• Must meet or exceed state licensing requirements for age, education and experience
• Previous experience in large food production operation preferred 

PERSONAL SKILLS AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

• High energy level
• Superior interpersonal abilities
• Resourceful and well organized
• Strong commitment for doing it right for young children
• Strong customer service skills  

LANGUAGE SKILLS: 

• Ability to read and communicate to educators 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: 

• Ability to understand and communicate basic math concepts in following recipes and monitoring temperature control 

REASONING ABILITY: 

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation

 PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: 

• Ability to stand 95% of the time and daily bending and stooping
• Requires normal range of hearing and vision
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to safely use sharp dangerous items such as knives  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Ability to work overtime and odd schedules 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: 

• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  No or very limited exposure to physical risk.