Head Start Cook (Starts 7/21)

Project NOW, Inc.; Kewanee (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Project NOW, Inc. is seeking a Head Start Cook to join our meal service team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning and preparing meals in line with USDA and CACFP regulations, while maintaining kitchen safety and inventory management. This full-time position requires a high school diploma and experience in institutional cooking, offering an opportunity to make a significant impact on the community.

Qualifications

• Some experience in institutional-style cooking.
• 1 year experience with CACFP/USDA Nutrition rules.
• Current Food Handler Card or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Plans menus and prepares meals according to USDA standards.
• Maintains kitchen inventory and orders supplies efficiently.
• Cleans kitchen and maintains compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Inventory management

Menu planning

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Join to apply for the Head Start Cook (Starts 7/21) role at Project NOW, Inc.

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Head Start Cook (Starts 7/21) role at Project NOW, Inc.

This range is provided by Project NOW, Inc.. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$17.00/hr - $22.00/hr

SUMMARY: The Head Start Cook serves as a part of the meal service team for the site(s) assigned and is responsible for food service in compliance with all regulatory guidelines and program requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans menus, prepares, cooks, and serves meals and snacks to meet USDA standards and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations, ensuring proper thawing techniques and requirements are met.
• Maintains kitchen inventory and orders supplies within budget guidelines.
• Determines time and sequence of cooking operations to meet meal-serving timelines.
• Washes dishes and cleans kitchen and kitchen equipment.
• Maintains kitchen facilities in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Plans menus and maintains kitchen inventory; provides assistance to other cook(s) for supplies and inventory needs.
• Provides accountability and receipts for food purchases.
• Stocks food items on appropriate shelves with accurate labeling.
• Provides file documentation to supervisor in accordance with established standards and submits reports and daily checklists in an accurate and timely manner.
• Schedules and meets with designated nutrition staff to provide documentation of CACFP/other agencies.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  
  
  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some experience in institutional-style cooking.
• 1 year experience working with CACFP or similar regulatory requirements (e.g., USDA Nutrition) along with ability to attend a CACFP training course within 90 days of hire.
• A combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for degree requirements.
• Current Food Handler Card or ability to obtain within an agreed-upon timeframe after the date of hire.
• Current CPR/First Aide or ability to obtain within an agreed-upon timeframe upon the date of hire.
  
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The work environment is that of a normal kitchen area and a normal preschool environment.

Project NOW is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives our mission. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.

Positions within Project NOW are primarily grant-funded and funding decreases can affect our staffing needs.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Non-profit Organizations

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Project NOW, Inc. by 2x

Get notified about new Head Cook jobs in Kewanee, IL.

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.