Cook at UMATILLA-MORROW COUNTY HEAD START INC

Job DescriptionJob Description35 hours a week, 12 monthsJob Goal: To prepare attractive USDA CNP approved meals for 20‐40 children and staff while keeping the kitchen and classroom areas clean and sanitary according to Health Department ordinances; to maintain adequate food stocks, kitchen supplies, and nutrition records; to provide accurate accounting of monthly expenditures, aligned with USDA CNP regulations and UMHS policies. Essential Responsibilities: Prepare creditable meals for children, volunteers, and staff using UMHS menu, menu planning sheets, standardized recipes and approved agency recipesMaintain nutrition records as required, including monthly receipts for USDA reimbursementPurchase food and supplies according to planned menu and seasonal availabilityMust be able to drive an agency vehicle in order to complete shopping as needed for the center and kitchenStore food and supplies properlyEnsure that food allergies and substitutions are documented on appropriate protocol forms; on file in the kitchen and documented on working menus.Ensure new classroom staff receive meal service trainingAssist in planning and preparation of classroom Nutrition ActivitiesMaintain safety of the environment for staff and childrenUtilize the Children’s Nutrition Manager, Assistant, HS/EHS System Director and Fiscal Director as resources to meet USDA and Head Start requirementsClean and sanitize dishes, tableware, pot, pans, etc. in a timely mannerMaintain cleanliness of kitchen at all timesEnsure disposal of garbage each school dayPerform minor maintenance duties as needed (change light bulbs, minor pest control, assist in maintaining exterior of building by picking up garbage, removing cobwebs, etc.)Perform minor janitorial duties as neededGeneral Staff Responsibilities: Participate in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions and workshops as assigned  Demonstrate familiarity with employment policies, performance standards, work plan and objectives of Agency  Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families and community  Keep current and accurate records and file reports on time  Maintain confidentiality in regards to staff and family information  Maintain objectives and professional standards  Improve self‐skills and education  Fulfill role as mandated reporter as stated in Child Abuse and Neglect Policy  Be present at work in order to provide consistency of services  Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner  Demonstrate commitment to mission, values, and policies in the performance of daily duties  And or any other duties deemed necessary by your supervisor Education Requirements: High School diploma or equivalentExperience and Skills Requirements: Current Food Handler’s cardExperience in purchasing and preparing culturally diverse foods for groupsAbility to understand and use basic mathKnowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, and ease in adaptation to new technologyKnowledge of early childhood nutritionSkills in working with childrenAbility to keep accurate recordsPrevious custodial experience*Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: Observe, compare, and monitor behaviors, records and data to determine compliance with prescribed standardsComprehend, analyze, and make inferences and references from written materialAbility to drive a private or agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver’s license and personal automobile insurance or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirementsFrequently perform repetitive motion with hands and arms in food preparation, serving and cleaning activities.Continuously stand and walk for most of an 8‐hour workday.Frequently lift, carry or otherwise move and position objects weighting up to 50 lbs.Frequently bend, kneel, reach, and regularly crouch.Maintain the safety of the environment through visual, auditory and smelling sensesMake skillful, controlled manipulations of small objectsMaintain the safety of the environment and children through visual, auditory and smellingPerform regular sanitation of kitchen, classroom and equipment, which may require the use of broom, carpet sweeper, mop and chemicals.Perform physical inventory of equipment and/or suppliesReasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment/Conditions: Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditionsRequires exposure to cleaning fluids and sanitizing agents.Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other peopleSafety: Apply safe practices in the performance of duties Reporting of unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury immediatelyComplying with Agency safety standardsParticipate in emergency drillsPromote a culture of safe environments in the workplaceAgency‐Wide Requirements: Current enrollment in the Child Care Division’s Central Background RegistryCurrent physical examination, drug screen, and TB screen documentation prior to hireAbility to drive a private or Agency vehicle; must possess a valid driver's license and personal automobile or provide a plan that will allow fulfillment of position requirements. A DMV Record check will be conducted prior to hire.Desire to work with low‐income children and their familiesCommunicate effectively with staff, families, children, and the public using the telephone and in face‐to‐face, one‐to‐one, and in group settingsFluent in English both verbally and writtenThe job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.  Umatilla-Morrow Head Start, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals in all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job assignments, promotions, career advancement opportunities, working conditions, scheduling, disciplinary action, termination of employment, compensation, and access to benefits and training. We recruit, hire, and promote into all job levels the most qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.