COOK (PT) - Jackson Early Learning Center

Description

EARLY LEARNING CENTER- COOK (JACKSON, TN)

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the general supervision of the Director, the part-time Floater & Cook is responsible for preparing nutritious and appealing meals and snacks to our Early Learning Centers in compliance with the Arkansas Department of Human Services & USDA. The cook is also responsible for the delivery of meals. The cook maintains records of purchases and records required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). This position involves extensive organizing, record keeping and time management. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Create home-style, nutritional meal plans in the boundaries of their school's menu and budget, as well as state and federal requirements.
• Prepare meals/snacks for children. Distribute food to the classrooms following appropriate health and safety guidelines, and policies.
• Follow the daily menu provided by the Director which incorporates USDA, licensing and/or health department regulations.
• Maintain inventory of food and supplies and order more when needed.
• Plan, prepare and serve attractive and nutritionally balanced meals for the children, promoting and reinforcing good nutritional habits; trying new foods, portion control and a balanced diet. 
• Utilize Production Worksheets to plan proper amounts of ingredients to prepare menu items sufficient for the number of clients to be served. 
• Adhere to ingredients, measurements and cooking methods as stated on the recipes to meet the nutritional requirements (maintain 30% total fat content of meals).
• Ensure that food supplies are securely stored.
• Clean and maintain kitchen, food service utensils, equipment, and food storage areas to standards mandated by the Arkansas Department of Human Services and best practices with regards to food safety and sanitation.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the Y’s efforts for all stakeholders. 

Collaboration: Builds and nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the Y. Serves as a community leader building collaborations based on trust and credibility to advance the Y’s mission and goals. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others. 

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves staff at all levels in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement. 

Personal Growth: Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology. 

Behavioral Characteristics: Welcoming, Nurturing, Determined, Hopeful, and Genuine. 

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

•  21 years of age or older.
•  Must have a valid driver’s license
•  Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
•  Ability to bend, reach and stand for long periods of time.
•  CPR/AED and First Aid Certification required (within 30 days of hire).
•  Complete required New Employee Orientation and all training as assigned by the association.
•  Must be reliable, punctual and responsible. 
•  Able to work independently, some shifts will occur without the direct supervision of the supervisor. 
•  Work experience in cooking and/or food preparation for multiple individuals, preferably in a childcare facility.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Flexible work schedule required.  Work schedules may vary per the needs.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

•  Climbing, sitting, standing, pushing, walking, kneeling, and stooping 
•  Some Exposure to the outdoor elements
•  Exposure to electrical/mechanical mechanisms
•  Exposure to some chemical elements
•  Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

The YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South aims to provide quality and safe youth programs for all. We are committed to making a continuous effort to prevent the abuse of children: verbally, physically, emotionally and sexually. All allegations or suspicions of child abuse are taken seriously and will be reported to the State for investigation with full cooperation from the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.

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