Lead Cook (Head Start/Early Head Start)

EPIC Early Learning is searching for a talented and passionate Lead Cook to join our dynamic team. As a private, nonprofit organization, EPIC has dedicated over 45 years to providing high-quality early childhood educational services to children and families in Central Washington. Our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential through nurturing relationships, engaging experiences, and comprehensive support.

The Head Start Lead Cook will be responsible for planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals and snacks for the children enrolled in our programs. This role is essential in promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring that our children receive balanced meals that support their growth and development. You will also be responsible for maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment in compliance with local health and safety regulations.

At EPIC Early Learning, we believe that good nutrition is an integral part of early childhood education, and we are committed to fostering healthy lifestyles through wholesome, delicious meals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; culinary training or degree preferred
• 1 year of commercial food experience, specific experience in cooking for young children preferred
• Knowledge of nutrition and dietary needs for children
• Understanding of food safety and sanitation practices in food preparation
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Speak, read, and write English capably, maintain accurate records and be competent in basic arithmetic
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Passion for providing high-quality meals and promoting healthy lifestyles for children
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing for long periods and lifting heavy items
• Basic computer skills for inventory and record-keeping

Responsibilities

• Prepare or direct preparation of all meals indicated on menus, in accordance with USDA, Head Start   and other Child Development program guidelines.
• Follow menus provided, making changes only with the consent of the USDA Manager.  In case of emergency, improvise and make substitutions as necessary.
• Assume responsibility for the appropriate storage and disposal of unused food.
• Estimate food requirements and control serving portions, eliminating waste and leftovers.  Apportion food in accordance with USDA requirements and yield specified in standardized recipes.
• Maintain defined standards of sanitation and safety for food services staff, kitchen/storerooms, and kitchen equipment to comply with federal, state, and local health and safety codes.  Maintain clean and safe kitchen, food prep and storeroom areas.
• Provide direction and assign work to other food services staff.  Orient and instruct food services employees in food services regulations, sanitary kitchen procedures, and proper use and care of equipment and sup plies.
• Maintain a system to check, inspect and store all incoming foods and supplies.  Check incoming food and supplies received against the original order and communicate any shortages or errors to the Food Services Manager.
• Work in cooperation with custodial staff in the maintenance of equipment and supplies and the proper cleaning of food service area.  Check equipment and the cooking area often to make sure they maintain safety and sanitation requirements.  Report repair and maintenance needs to the Assistant Center   Manager and the Food Services Manager.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date meal production information.  Submit all required records according to deadline dates.
• Attend in-service training, staff meetings, and parent meetings as requested; may assist in preparation of meals for these functions occurring at the site.
• Be committed to characterizing a culture of safety within our centers, playgrounds, buses and anywhere that children may be present. Be familiar with and encourage EPICs culture of “Speak Up, Speak Out.”

Pay Level: $20.00 to $21.00 per Hour (Year-round position)

Location: 2902 Castlevale Road, Yakima, WA 98901

Benefits

·         Medical/Dental/ Vision Plans

·         Sick Leave (5 hours per payroll)

·         Paid Annual Leave (4 hours per payroll)

·         Paid Holidays (11)

·         Scholarship Available

·         Employee Assistance Program

·         Basic Life Insurance

·         403 B (Employer match after 1 year or 1,000 hours)

As an employee of an Early Learning Non-Profit organization, you may be eligible for student loan forgiveness and childcare subsidy benefits. Additional information will be provided upon hire.

Conditions of Employment:

1. Prior to employment, complete a pre-employment drug screen, Tb skin test by an EPIC approved healthcare provider at no cost to the employee.
2. Pre-employment basic physical by an EPIC healthcare provider (obtain within (30) days of employment and no cost to the employee).
3. Must pass an initial and periodic background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).
4. Provide proof of MMR vaccination and/ or resistance to Measles, Mumps & Rubella.
5. Current Food Handlers card (obtain the training within 30 days of employment).
6. Current First Aid/CPR card (obtain within thirty 30 days of employment).
7. Complete Childcare Basics 30 hours STARS training within 3 months of hire
8. Meet the minimum education requirements within the timeframe as stated in the performance standards.
9. Complete Child Abuse and Neglect training and all other mandated training.
10. CEO Approval.