Substitute Cook Aide

E CENTER; Oroville (CA); On-site; USD 26,022 - 31,436; Full time

Job summary

E CENTER is seeking a Cook Aide in Oroville, California. The role involves preparing meals and snacks for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start children, adhering to federal nutrition standards and maintaining food safety.

The ideal candidate possesses a high school diploma or GED, effective communication skills, and may be bilingual. This is a full-time, hourly position with a salary range of $18.89 - $22.82 per hour.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in English and at least one additional language may be required.
• Possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record sufficient for agency insurability.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing meals that comply with state and federal standards.
• Maintain inventory of kitchen items and temperature logs.
• Demonstrate effective parent partnerships.

Skills

Effective communication with parents

Basic math skills

Problem-solving

Bilingual proficiency (Spanish, Hmong, Punjabi)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direction and general supervision of the Center Director, the Cook Aide is responsible for preparing meals and snacks for Migrant and Seasonal Head Start children in compliance with all laws, regulations, and program policies, including the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The Cook Aide maintains positive working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and families, attends required training, and adheres to Head Start Performance Standards and all applicable federal and state regulations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing meals and snacks for children that comply with state and federal nutrition standards.
• Assist in maintaining food supplies and food preparation for the facility.
• Assist with food preparation and service that is appealing and meets all requirements.
• Assist with organization and safety of the environment, including sanitation and personal hygiene.
• Assist with preparing and maintaining accurate, timely, organized, legible records, reports, worksheets, and meal preparation documents.
• Assist with weekly menu implementation according to CACFP.
• Assist with planning, purchasing, and organizing food and kitchen supplies.
• Take food temperatures and maintain accurate temperature logs.
• Demonstrate effective parent partnerships by encouraging parents to volunteer.
• Operate program vehicles safely, including safety checks and record keeping.
• Participate fully as a team member, address complaints, and resolve problems efficiently.
• Perform other duties within the scope of this position classification.

Secondary Functions

• Maintain inventory of kitchen items.
• Maintain daily temperature logs.
• Ensure daily/weekly/monthly rotation of food.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED), or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Read and comprehend documents such as safety rules.
• Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Write routine reports and correspondence.
• Speak effectively to parents or organization employees.
• Proficiency in English and at least one additional language (Spanish, Hmong, Punjabi, or other) may be required.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide two‑digit numbers and perform basic financial calculations.
• Apply common sense to follow written, oral, or diagram instructions.
• Resolve problems involving several variables.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record sufficient for agency insurability.
• Meet state regulations for physical examination, tuberculosis test, verified fingerprint, and criminal record clearance before beginning work.
• Understand and respect diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Problem‑solve and be proactive.
• Communicate professionally with coworkers, parents, children, and community members.
• Occasional travel within and outside the Head Start service area.
• Learn and comply with Head Start Performance Standards, federal, state, and local child‑care laws.
• Meet standard vision requirements.
• Stand regularly, use hands, talk, hear, taste, and smell as part of job duties.

Employment Information

Job Location: Oroville, CA 95966
Salary Range: $18.89 - $22.82 per hour
Hourly, non‑exempt, full time
Schedule varies. The position reports to the Center Director and has no supervisory responsibilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, our institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability.