10100 Early/Head Start Escalera Center Based- Cook

#IND-TCC1 Summary  Under the general supervision of the program Director the Cook is responsible for ensuring that nutritious and appealing meals and snacks are prepared in accordance with USDA and CACFP regulations.  This position involves extensive organizing, problem solving, record keeping, and time management.  Essential Functions  Plans and prepares food in accordance with the Child and Adult Food Program, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene regulations.  Purchases food and supplies necessary to daily operations.    Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.  Assist in menu preparation, provide support and guidance to assist cook and/or cook helper.     Maintains cost control and inventory systems based on CAFCP regulation procedures including records of food production, food and supply inventory and food allergy/restriction.      Supervisory Responsibilities:  None  Minimum Qualifications:   High School Diploma or equivalency.  New York City Department of Health Food Protection Course Certificate.  Knowledge of proper food handling including food safety, food allergies, and culinary techniques.  Proficient with basic tools, measurements and kitchen equipment.   Experience in child food service preparation and management and knowledge of CACFP requirements.  Knowledge of the challenges and strengths of low-income families.   Effective oral and written communication skills commensurate with the responsibilities of the position are required.     Job Behavioral Expectations:  Maintain regular consistent and professional attendance, punctuality, personal appearance, and adherence to relevant health & safety procedures.  Safe and successful performance, including meeting productivity standards.  Maintain an understanding of the principles, methods and processes needed to perform the job. Participate in staff meetings, in-service training and professional development trainings.  Demonstrates the ability to complete work in an acceptable manner by the time and/or date established with accuracy, neatness and thoroughness and minimal amount of errors.  Maintain established departmental policies and procedures including maintain strict confidentiality and adherence to guidelines at all times.  Knowledge of the principles and practices and current state of child nutrition and of the eating habits of the children served in the program. Demonstrated skills in preparing these foods in a nutritious, good tasting and appealing manner. Experience in child food service preparation and management desirable. Knowledge of CACFP requirements also desirable. Knowledge of the challenges and strengths of low-income and migrant families. Effective oral and written communication skills commensurate with the responsibilities of the position are required. Bilingual, both oral and written, ability (English/Spanish) is preferred.    Physical demands and work environment:  The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.      Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to walk, sit for long period of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or control; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 – 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.      Work environment:  Work is performed in a kitchen environment with normal heating and cooling, must be able to be on your feet for extended periods of time, and the ability to adapt to a diverse workforce in a fast paced environment.