Childcare Cook

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Childcare Cook delivers and serves nutritious hot lunch and snacks daily to participants in Youth and Family programs. The Cook ensures that food is stored and handled properly, and that the kitchen and all its equipment are thoroughly sanitary.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Stand in for all sites food service staff in their absence.
• Understand the operations of each childcare location’s food service process.
• Assist Food Service Manager with all events, rental and parties, including after hour events.
• Prepare and distribute hot lunch and snacks daily per the established menu and guidelines.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary and organized kitchen.
• Maintain inventory list for grocery and supply orders.
• Develop and follow the daily menu which incorporates USDA, licensing and/or health department regulations.
• Update Food Service Manager on shortages and ordering needs
• Be aware of and responsible for food allergies and food substitutions
• Unpack and organize food deliveries
• Remove trash and recyclables daily
• Understanding of guidelines from the Health Department, USDA, Department of Agriculture, Step Up to Quality and Adult/Child Food Program.
• Train on all duties of the Food Service Manager.
• Stand in for the Food Service Manager in their absence.
• Ability to work with all departments of the YMCA in a professional and respectful manner.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Attention to detail required to ensure that food is stored and handled properly, and that the kitchen and all its equipment are thoroughly sanitary; inspect thermometers to ensure they are working properly, ensure all food items are checked for expiration dates. Assist in washing and sanitizing dishes and appliances throughout the day
• Reliable, punctual attendance and ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to follow all safety procedures and protocols required to avoid injury or illness;
• Other duties as dictated by business necessity.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of standing, stooping and frequent bending.
• Frequent repetitive motion with hands and upper body related to food preparation activities.
• Occasional standing and walking (average 10 foot– 15 foot) in kitchen areas.
• Occasional bending and lifting (average 20 times per day) of bulk foods, food bins and hot food caddies: bulk food items are lifted from the floor and weigh 10-50 lbs. each, food bins weigh 30 – 70 lbs., are lifted from floor and work tables and loaded into vans.
• Occasional crouching to retrieve items from lower shelves. Regular reaching occurs to retrieve utensils and food items from storage shelves and cupboards up to 8 foot high.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Countryside YMCA is committed to providing a safe environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care. We follow best practices for abuse prevention, including thorough screening, ongoing training, and clear behavioral expectations for staff and volunteers. We have a zero-tolerance policy for abuse and take all allegations and concerns very seriously. All employees are required to follow our child protection policies, complete required training, and report any suspicious or inappropriate behavior immediately.