Cook Assistant

Oregon Child Development Coalition; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is seeking a kitchen assistant to support the Cook in daily meal preparation for Head Start programs across Oregon. You will assist in purchasing, preparing, and delivering meals while maintaining sanitary standards.

This role emphasizes safe food handling, FIFO inventory, and collaboration with teachers to ensure culturally appropriate meals for children.

Qualifications

• Experience working in meal preparation and planning.

Responsibilities

• Assist in meal preparation and planning.
• Purchase, prepare and inventory food.
• Maintain sanitary conditions and comply with USDA guidelines.
• Deliver food safely to classrooms and ensure FIFO usage.
• Check food temperatures and quality to ensure safety.

Job description

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC):

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work has purpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.

Position Summary:

Assists the Cook in purchasing, preparing and delivering food products, cleaning of kitchen facilities, and maintaining sanitary standards in compliance with USDA guidelines, sanitation safety rules and procedures.

Essential Functions:

Assists the Cook in the operation of the Food Service Program Area by:

• Preparing a variety of foods that are culturally and age appropriate.
• Purchasing, preparation and inventory process.
• Assisting in the maintenance of food service records and other documentation in compliance with USDA regulations.
• Delivering food service in a safe, healthy and timely manner with the least disruption to the classroom.
• Maintaining the First-In/First-Out (FIFO) system of food usage.
• Ensuring food quality by checking for proper temperature of food.

Assists in complying with local, state and county sanitation and safety regulations by:

• Ensuring that the environment for food preparation and service is maintained in a sanitary condition.
• Keeping the kitchen and storage areas clean and safe, such as dishwashing and kitchen clean up.
• Maintaining record of food used daily.

Maintains confidence and protects agency operations by:

• Keeping information confidential.

Continually applies safety practices in all facets of the performance of duties by:

• Complying with agency safety standards.
• Supporting participation of a safe environment.
• Immediately reporting any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury.
• Participating in fire drills and assisting in the evacuation of the children.

Contributes to a team effort by:

• Attending staff meetings, parent meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Substituting for Cook when necessary.
• Fostering an understanding of Head Start, its mission, goals, objectives, and program services.

Other responsibilities:

• Performing other work related or assigned duties.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Experience working in meal preparation and planning.

Pay Range:

The pay range for this position is $17.00 to $19.71 hourly. Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.

Benefits:

OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well being, and work–life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs
• Employer paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Optional benefits including pet insurance

At OCDC, employee well being is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.