Job Details

Cook Assistant $15.00 to $16.50/hr.

Anticipated opening for the 2025-2026 school year. Work hours range starting from 30 per week.
PLEASE APPLY VIA OUR ONLINE APPLICATION AT: www.focaf.org
Friends of Children and Families is a non-profit organization serving Ada and Elmore Counties specializing in services to pre-school children and their families. As a mission-based organization our employees positively impact children and families in our community by empowering them through early childhood education and family engagement. Benefits provided -

• Low cost medical and vision insurance
• Free dental, short term disability, employee assistant program, and life insurance
• Matching 4% for a 401K after one year of employment
• Paid sick, personal, and bereavement leave
• Generous paid time off
• As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, Friends of Children and Families is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PLSF) program.

JOB SUMMARY
Assists in preparing nutritious meals for Friends of Children and Families Head Start participants in accordance with Head Start, District Health Department and USDA and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under the guidance of the Cook, prepares meals for FOCAF/Head Start participants following menus prepared by the Health and Safety Manager, in compliance with health and safety regulations issued by Head Start, District Health Department and the USDA.
• Conducts a meal count for each meal and compiles information on iPad and HealthePro.
• Maintains sanitary conditions in the kitchen, food storage and transporting carts.
• Compiles daily, weekly and/or monthly reports on number of prepared and served meals.
• Ensures dietary reports are up to date.
• Assures the kitchen facilities are maintained in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition, meeting all health regulations regarding food preparation.
• Assist with meal prepping and dishwashing.
• Supports in the coordinating and preparing of meals to be served at other center locations; ensures food for delivery includes all meal components as per the menu and dietary requirements.
• Assures that special diet needs of identified children are met and that foods provoking allergies are not served to those children with special eating needs.
• Assists in providing a variety of food which broadens the children's food experiences and is responsible for cultural and ethnic preferences.

• Keeps immediate supervisor, and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Ensures dietary reports are run on a monthly or as needed basis.
• Responds to communication in a courteous and timely manner.
• Safely transport food, kitchen supplies, and other related food service materials to and from FOCAF centers and program by use of personal vehicle or FOCAF vehicle when available. Adheres to food safety and sanitation guidelines during the preparation and transportation process to maintain the quality and integrity of the meals.
• Remains current on principles, practices, and new developments within work areas.
• Uses critical thinking skills when determining safety and creating safe environments for self, co- workers, and children.
• Operates several kitchen appliances (e.g., food processor, dishwasher, can opener, stove, and mixer).
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and FOCAF, Central District Health, and USDA policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Demonstrates commitment for professional development and continuous growth by actively seeking out and participating in training opportunities.
• Engages with supervisor and co-workers on constructive and timely feedback, accepting feedback as a growth opportunity, and is open to continuous improvement for oneself and the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED; and
• Preferred one year cooking experience in an institutional kitchen.
• Must pass a Health Physical Screen and TB test; must be able to lift 45 pounds.
• Must pass an enhanced criminal background check that meets required state, federal, and FOCAF Head Start standards.
• Must pass drug test and submit to random drug and or alcohol test.
• Must obtain a ServeSafe Food Handlers certification within 90 days of hire and maintain certification while in the position

PLEASE APPLY VIA OUR ONLINE APPLICATION AT: www.focaf.org
Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer

This is a non-management position
This is a full time position