Head Start Cook

Kiowa Tribe Of Oklahoma; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiowa Tribe Of Oklahoma seeks a dedicated kitchen professional to prepare CACFP-compliant meals for Head Start children, families, and staff at our Lawton center. This role emphasizes safe food handling, menu planning, and accurate record-keeping.

The ideal candidate has culinary training or at least two years of food preparation experience, plus a Food Handler's Certification. Duties include maintaining a sanitary kitchen, ordering supplies, and supporting the six-week menu cycle under a

Qualifications

• Certificate of completion in culinary arts or minimum two years of food preparation experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of CACFP reimbursement reporting.
• Computer literacy.
• Current Food Handler's Certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare daily meals and snacks for Head Start children.
• Maintain a sanitary kitchen and food service environment.
• Order and purchase food for meal preparation.
• Maintain daily CACFP reimbursement records.
• Assist in developing a six-week menu cycle and obtain approval from a certified dietitian.

Skills

CACFP reporting

Food preparation

Computer literacy

Education

Culinary arts certificate

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Food handler's certificate

Driver's license

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Prepare well balanced, nutritionally appropriate, dietitian approved meals and/or snacks for Head Start children, families and staff while maintaining CACFP guidelines, including reporting.RESPONSIBILITIES:Maintain a sanitary kitchen and food service environment.Comply with food service and environmental health policies and procedures.Abide by all applicable federal, state and tribal regulation, policies and procedures including but not limited to, Head Start Program Performance Standards, OKDHS Child Care Licensing Requirements and Kiowa Tribe policies and procedures.Order/purchase food necessary for meal preparation.Prepare daily meals and/or snacks for center-based children.Maintain daily record keeping for USDA CACFP reimbursement program.Monthly food experience with center-based children in collaboration with classroom teachers.Participate in the development of a six-week menu cycle; submitted for approval from a certified dietitian.Other duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS:Certificate of completion in culinary arts or a minimum of two years experience in food preparation with food handler's certificateHigh school diploma or GEDKnowledgeable in USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimbursement reporting.Computer literateREQUIREMENTS:Must possess a valid Oklahoma state driver's license and be insurable under the Kiowa Tribe's Driving Policy.Must submit to and pass a pre-employment background check with fingerprints.Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test with random drug testing.Must have an annual physical exam with TB test.Must have a current immunization record.Current Food Handler's CertificationMust be able to work independently.Must complete Head Start and DHS Orientation (ELCCT, Food Handler's certification, First Aid/CPR certification within 90 days)PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:Lift 50lbs.Standing for long periods of timeDriving Head Start vehiclesCleaning kitchen environment, including appliances (refrigerator, freezer, oven, range)Reaching and bendingEqual Opportunity Employer: The Kiowa Tribe does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.According to the Kiowa Tribe Human Resources Policies and Procedures, the Kiowa Tribe recognizes Kiowa Preference first, other federally recognized tribes second and other races last.Indian Preference applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), BIA Form 4432, Tribal Identification or Certificate Degree of Indian Blood must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference.