Cook

Save the Children; Newbern (TN); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

Save the Children is seeking a Cook for the Head Start program. You will order, prepare, serve, and document meals and snacks for children, ensuring CACFP standards are followed and health and safety codes are met.

You will work in a dynamic kitchen environment, possibly at multiple centers, and may supervise staff or volunteers while supporting a strong food service operation that emphasizes safety, accuracy, and timely delivery of meals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 3+ years of relevant kitchen/food service experience.
• Ability to work with children and families in Head Start settings.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and serve meals and snacks per menus and CACFP standards.
• Maintain inventory and storage of foods, supplies, and equipment.
• Ensure sanitation and safety in all kitchen areas.
• Assist with food preparation for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• Coordinate with center staff to deliver meals to classrooms as needed.
• Supervise volunteers or staff when assigned by the manager.

Skills

Food safety

Kitchen operations

Customer service

English proficiency

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Cook, Head Start

Employee Type: Full-Time Regular

Supervisor Title: Manager, Health & Nutrition or Center Director

Division: Head Start, U.S. Programs

Role Overview

The Cook plays a critical role within a large system of services provided to children and families. A strong food service program is important to supporting the goals of the Head Start/Early Head Start program. You will be responsible for ordering, preparing, serving and documenting meals and snacks served to children, including following menus and all phases of kitchen operations including inventory control.

You will contribute to the smooth operations and functioning of the kitchen in adherence to health and food safety codes and the strict cleanliness of the kitchen and food service and storage areas. You will prepare food for infants and toddlers and/or preschool children following the USDA/CACFP standards. This role may involve reassignment to various kitchens/centers as deemed necessary for program operations.

Essential Duties

• Prepare and serve food and assist in any food related activities as directed and menus as approved by a registered dietitian/nutritionist. These duties may include the preparation of food to meet the needs of children with special needs or disabilities.
• Make accommodations for special dietary needs. Maintain accurate records, both on paper and in designated online systems. Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.
• Oversee maintenance of inventory for all necessary supplies, food and equipment used for food services operations.
• Oversee the processing and storage of food and food related items as they are delivered.
• Safely operate, clean, and maintain utensils and equipment used in an institutional kitchen.
• Adhere to and ensure sanitation requirements are met when storing, handling and preparing food.
• Oversee full kitchen operations and may supervise additional staff or volunteer assistance (depending on size and scope of workload).
• Implement a cost‑effective food service program according to federal, state and local regulations that is a financially successful operation by helping to control food and labor costs.
• Ensure that standardized recipes are followed and appropriate quantities of food are prepared and served in accordance with the CACFP meal requirements.
• Prepare and serve all meals as planned, paying attention to food presentation and freshness.
• Distribute and post weekly menu.
• Deliver food to classrooms and other centers, where applicable.
• Protect the safety of children by implementing active supervision techniques to ensure no child is left alone or unsupervised at any time.
• Apply clear practice and procedure in day‑to‑day execution of job.
• Organize self and manage time to get things done.
• Keep manager informed of important issues.
• Build effective relationships within their workgroup and with children/families.
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the manager.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, plus at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to service to children.
• Proven relevant knowledge of basic food preparation and kitchen operations, including food safety requirements.
• Ability to relate sensitively with children and to work well with staff, parents and families.
• Proven commitment to teamwork and customer service orientation.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Proven teamwork orientation and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the basics of working with preschool children and infants/toddlers.
• Proven ability to follow directions and take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to keep all information on families strictly confidential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience having met Health Department Regulations, USDA and Head Start Standards.
• Previous experience working with CACFP.
• Certification in ServSafe.
• Bilingual is preferred (English/Spanish or English and other languages present in the local area).
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully communicate and collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels – internal or external – in the provision of high‑quality services to children and families.
• Demonstrated successful interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; great problem solving and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to follow established and communicated directions and take initiative.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Proven ability to relate sensitively with children.
• Proven ability to keep all required information strictly confidential.
• Must participate in professional development training including basic first aid and pediatric CPR certification as required by state licensing and HSPPS.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Additional Qualifications

• Physical Requirements related to essential functions: Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 5-10 pounds constantly, performing such activities as sitting, crawling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and grasping. This also includes some duties that require repetitive action and motion skills, keyboarding, and computer use.
• Clear pre‑employment background check requirements, including local, state, and national criminal records check, sex offender registries, employment, and education verifications (including child abuse registry check if required by state regulations) and pass all state and local health requirements required post‑job offer and prior to employment.
• This position may require the incumbent to operate a motor vehicle to fulfill certain essential functions of the job. The incumbent should maintain a valid driver’s license and remain in compliance with any Save the Children policies pertaining to the safe operation of motor vehicles.
• Current and former Head Start/Early Head Start parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Compensation

The base pay for this position starts at $15/hour. Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, experience, credentials, base salary of internal peers and other relevant qualifications specific to the role.

Benefits

• Paid time off: 10 days winter break and 5 days spring break, 5 personal days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays per year.
• Health: Competitive health care, dental and vision coverage for you and your family. Employer paid short‑term disability and long‑term disability benefits.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA): Option to select HSA if enrolled into a High‑Deductible Health Plan in which the company matches a portion of its contribution.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Option to enroll in health care and dependent care options.
• Life: Agency paid life and accidental death and dismemberment benefits (AD&D).
• Family: Parental/adoption, fertility benefits.
• Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives for eligible employees.
• Retirement: Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year).
• Wellness: Health benefits and support through Calm and company‑hosted events.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, short‑term counseling, referrals, and follow‑up services.
• Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships. Certification and tuition assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.