ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations to include Head Start Performance Standards, Child & Adult Care Food Program guidelines, to include traditional foods guidelines, Child Development Division Head Start/Early Head Start Policies and Procedures and the Head Start Work Plan.
• Plans or follows prepared plans for preparation of meals and snacks and serves food family style.
• Purchases foods, cleaning products and supplies.
• Ensures adequate sanitation of kitchen and safety of equipment.
• Establishes and maintains required documentation and records.
• Participates in food related learning activities with children.
• Trains and supervises kitchen substitute(s) and volunteers.
• Attends weekly staff meetings, regular meetings with supervisor and participates in all required training.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists classroom or janitorial staff as requested by supervisor and as work schedule permits.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow established policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage work time well, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish good rapport with people of diverse cultures and belief systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Uses computers and computer programs effectively to enter data, create spreadsheets and process information, and, develop documents, and program and training materials.
• Ability to complete paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability and willingness to work independently and be self-directed in problem solving and decision-making.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment, professional boundaries, ethics, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/JOB CONDITIONS:

• Agency is a mandated tobacco, drug and alcohol free workplace.
• Able to respond quickly to children’s needs and emergency situations.
• Work in kitchen and classroom settings.
• Must be flexible in work schedule to help meet required teacher/child ratios in all classrooms.
• Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Develops specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
• Must have the ability to operate the following equipment: desktop computer, telephone, copier, PC printer, and fax machine.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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 regularly to grasp, type, see, talk, hear, and lift and carry 40 pounds of weight by utilizing proper lifting techniques and working in a safe manner. This position will also be performing physical activities such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, bending, and handling materials.
• Occasionally performs sedentary activities that require sitting for long periods and repetitive use of hands, wrists and arms for handling, positioning, moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Must be in good general health and free from serious physical, mental health and/or substance abuse problems.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK:

This position depends on location to be considered full time or part time. Days and hours of work vary with location. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. This vacancy is 30 hours-per-week and 37 weeks-per-year.

TRAVEL:

Occasional travel required. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass state and federal background checks for convictions of violence and child abuse and/or neglect including fingerprints.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Responsible work ethic with reliable attendance.
• Must pursue an ongoing professional development plan including formal training certification or college degree as recommended by the program.
• Must attend 15 hours of professional development training annually.
• Knowledge of food pyramid and good nutrition.
• Experience in food preparation, menu planning, and appropriate ordering of food supplies.
• Proven ability and willingness to be self-directed in problem solving and decision-making and perform basic assignment with little or no direct supervision while also working effectively as a team member.
• Demonstrated intermediate level of computer skills necessary in order to use and create documents and reports, spreadsheets, workshop materials and slide presentations, and to enter data into intricate database programs and proficient use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Must keep all matters concerning participants in strictest confidence as required by HIPAA privacy and the 42 CFR, Part II confidentiality regulations.
• Must provide a TB screening and basic physical exam within thirty (30) days of hire with follow-up every three (3) years at employee’s expense.
• Must complete and maintain CPR and First Aid Training certification at employer’s expense.
• Current Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain one prior to starting
• Must be able to provide own transportation to meet work schedule requirements.

Required