Occasional (substitute) Head Start Preschool Cook - Wooster, OH

We strengthen the community through collaborations and services by promoting self-sufficiency, household stability and family and childhood education.

From early childhood education to home repair, CAW/M provides an environment of friendly customer service.

Our Occasional (substitute) Head Start Cooks fill in on an as needed basis. This position will require travel to Head Start locations in both Medina and Wayne County.

Job Summary: To purchase and prepare food that is nutritionally consistent with the menu. To work as a team when planning the menu with other cooks. Encouraging the participation of parents in all aspects of the nutrition program. Maintain and model appropriate sanitation procedures in the kitchen and classroom. Assist at mealtimes with food service.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

(1) Team Support: Work cooperatively with the site team and food vendors; utilize problem solving skills at the site level; assist in the classroom during meals and as needed; actively participate in all meetings and trainings; meet with the site team to discuss issues surrounding the children in the classroom

(2) Family Support: Encourage participation of parents in all aspects of the program; focus on family strengths and encourage family growth; assist in educating parents about proper nutrition; refers families for enrollment; participates in the recruitment of children and families

(3) Provision of Nutrition Services: Serve family style meals and assist in clean up at point of service; maintain a clean and sanitized environment; assure that all work surfaces and utensils are clean and sanitized and that proper sanitation methods are followed; prepare meals at the site level and/or to vend to other sites, utilizing proper sanitation methods, and assuring food holding temperatures at proper levels

(4) Planning: Make suggestions to improve services; work in conjunction with other cooks and Nutrition Resource Specialist to plan menus for the year; assist in planning nutrition activities in conjunction with site teams

(5) Transport: Transport food in approved containers in a timely manner; transport peripherals necessary for complete food service; transport empty containers back to kitchen

(6) Responsible for providing and maintaining a safe and effective classroom/center environment that ensures the safety and well-being of children.

(7) Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(1) Performs other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of 6 months experience in food service and high school diploma or GED preferred; basic understanding demonstrated of safe food handling practices; written and oral communication skills; willingness to learn about position and organization. Exhibit excellent customer service skills. Work effectively as part of a team, demonstrate good interpersonal skills, and be cooperative and maintain a positive attitude.

Mental Requirements

Ability to read, to remember short and long term information, to use judgement, ability to analyze, compare, coordinate, measure, observe and organize; ability to do short and long term planning and prioritization; ability to evaluate technical problems and interpret; ability to learn new concepts; ability to communicate in writing and verbally.

Physical Demands

Ability to drive a vehicle, ability to talk/speak over the phone and in person, hear at normal speaking levels, write; ability to sit/stand for lengthy periods of time, stoop, bend and lift with both arms and hands while attending to children (up to 50#); ability to operate food warming containers; microwaves, stoves; dishwashers and fax machines; ability to carry with one/two hands, cut, open with an opener, pour and serve food safely; ability to see within normal ranges, with or without corrective lenses; ability to maneuver physically within assigned work pace.

Special Requirements

Must complete all trainings required by ODJFS, CACFP, Health Department and Head Start Regulations; possess own transportation that is available for on the job use and able to be insured by Agency insurance (no more than 6 points) and own insurance; willing to travel; sensitivity to Low Income Families; must successfully pass regular physical examination; must pass pre-employment drug screening; must hold valid State of Ohio driver’s license; must successfully pass criminal records check

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS for all CAWM positions:

Must complete all required trainings and attend mandated staff meetings, sensitivity to low income families, report any suspected child abuse or neglect according to agency policy. Report any suspected elder abuse or neglect according to agency policy

POSITIONS DIRECTLY SUPERVISED: None

CAW/M provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including without limitation sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, disability, genetics, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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