HEAD COOK (Food and Sanitation certificate)

This is a contractual position (yearly).  Program follows District #99 school calendar regarding winter, spring and summer breaks.  Duties are listed below.

 

BASIC FUNCTION

 

The Cook is responsible for menu planning, purchasing of groceries and supplies and daily preparation of nutritious meals and snacks served to the children enrolled in the center.  The kitchen is to be managed and the work of the Cook is to be conducted in strict compliance with all of the Town of Cicero Health Department regulations. The Cook works in consultation with the Director of Early Education Services (EES) to ensure the smooth operation of the kitchen and its coordination with the other programs of the Early Childhood Center.

 

Principle Duties & Responsibilities:

Kitchen

1. Advance planning of lunch menus and snacks in accordance with the CCAFP; posting of menus for parents and staff.

2. Conduct housekeeping tasks necessary to maintain the kitchen in an organized, clean, safe and hygienic condition at all times.

3. Deliver and collect breakfast/lunch/snack trays to and from all on-site programs.

4. Complete clean up after each meal (i.e. dishes, countertops, etc.).

5. Meets with Health Inspector as required to ensure kitchen and practices are in compliance with Town of Cicero’s health code.

6. Regular inventory of kitchen equipment and supplies.

 

Ordering/Purchasing

Purchase all groceries in order to implement the planned menus, in consideration of the  food budget and in consultation with the Director of EES.

Unpacking and checking of orders.

Follow established procedures regarding forwarding of all receipts related to purchases.

 

Program Support

Establish and maintain open communication with parents regarding children’s dietary restrictions, allergies, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other

Attend staff/program meetings as required.

Attend professional development and other relevant training opportunities when available, e.g. in order to remain current with respect to Health Department regulations on proper food handling, etc.  

Assists the Center Director in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment by promptly reporting any existing and/or potential workplace hazards.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

High School Diploma.  Experience as a cook, preferably in a child care center setting.  Familiarity with planning and implementing menus around the CCAFP guidelines.  Ability to work in a positive and productive manner within a team.  The ability to relate well to children, staff and parents is essential.  Valid Standard First Aid and CPR. Negative criminal records check.

 

 

Upon offer of employment, must complete all forms related to hiring, including Through A Child’s Eyes employment application, completed medical form, employment status, and 3 letters of recommendation.  In addition, must complete all DCFS forms, including a Criminal Background Check, Fingerprinting and a Child Abuse and Neglect Background Check.

 

 

THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER