Substitute Preschool Culinary Specialist

Job Type

Part-time

Description

We are seeking a dedicated Occasional (substitute) Preschool Culinary Specialist to join our team. At Community Action Wayne Medina, we are committed to enhancing community well-being through collaborative services that foster self-sufficiency, stability, and educational growth for families and children.

Position Overview:
As a substitute cook, you will be responsible for preparing nutritious meals in alignment with our established menu. This role involves teamwork with fellow culinary staff to create engaging meal plans and encouraging parental involvement in our nutrition initiatives. You will also uphold and demonstrate proper sanitation practices in both kitchen and classroom settings, assisting during meal service.

Key Responsibilities:

(1)Team Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with site teams and food suppliers; employ problem-solving skills at the site level; assist in the classroom during meal times as needed; actively engage in meetings and training sessions; communicate with the site team regarding children’s needs.

(2)Family Engagement:
Promote parental involvement in all facets of the program; focus on leveraging family strengths to encourage growth; assist in educating families about nutrition; participate in outreach efforts for child and family enrollment.

(3)Nutrition Service Delivery:
Provide family-style meal service and assist with cleanup; maintain a clean and sanitized work environment; ensure all surfaces and utensils are properly sanitized and that food safety standards are met; prepare meals at the site and/or distribute to other locations, adhering to sanitation protocols and food temperature regulations.

(4)Menu Planning:
Contribute suggestions for service improvement; collaborate with other culinary staff and Nutrition Resource Specialists to develop annual menus; assist in planning nutrition-related activities with site teams.

(5)Food Transportation:
Safely transport food in approved containers; ensure timely delivery of necessary items for complete meal service; return empty containers to the kitchen.

(6) Ensure a safe and effective classroom environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children.

(7) Exhibit regular and predictable attendance.

Additional Responsibilities:
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Minimum of 6 months experience in food service; high school diploma or GED preferred; basic understanding of safe food handling practices; strong written and verbal communication skills; willingness to learn about the role and organization. Exceptional customer service skills are essential. Ability to work effectively within a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.

Mental Requirements:
Ability to read and retain information, utilize judgment, analyze and compare data, organize tasks, and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Physical Demands:
Ability to drive, communicate effectively, hear at normal levels, write, and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, and lifting (up to 50 lbs). Ability to operate kitchen equipment and carry out food service tasks safely.

Special Requirements:
Completion of all required training as mandated by relevant regulations; possession of reliable transportation; willingness to travel; sensitivity to the needs of low-income families; successful completion of physical examinations and drug screenings; valid driver's license; and passing of criminal background checks.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Community Action Wayne Medina is an equal opportunity employer, providing fair employment opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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