Cook

Salary: $17.00/hour - $18.88/hour

Position Summary:

This cook role supports meal service in Early Childhood programs located within Community Schools. This is a part-time position, scheduled for 20 hours per week, with required daily availability from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. During this time, the Cook receives DOE-prepared breakfast and lunch deliveries, prepares daily snacks from scratch, and ensures food service compliance in accordance with CACFP, DOE, DOHMH, and Children's Aid policies.

Under the new staffing model, some responsibilities-such as distributing snacks to classrooms-will be completed by teaching staff or program leadership. The Cook focuses on preparation, compliance, and safe handoff of food items. The position reports to the Program Director, with support from the Regional Business Operations Manager

Essential Duties: Under the direct supervision of the site's Program Director, with support from Children's Aid Food Service Manager, the Cook's responsibilities include the following:

Strategic Operations

• Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.

Food Preparation

• Receive DOE-delivered breakfast each morning and ensure safe storage and proper temperatures.
• Prepare daily snack from scratch following Children's Aid menus and recipes.
• Package and label prepared snacks for classroom distribution by teaching staff.
• Receive DOE-delivered lunch and prepare it for distribution by program leadership or teaching staff.
• Ensure all meals and snacks meet CACFP, DOE, and DOHMH safety requirements.

Record Maintenance, Contract Compliance

• Place food requisitions on a weekly basis.
• Receive food deliveries and sign off on invoices upon delivery.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory.
• Submit daily written CACFP food production records.

Data Analysis

• Track snack usage and supply levels to inform efficient ordering.
• Support corrective actions based on DOHMH inspections, CACFP Audits or internal quality checks.
• Ensure snack preparation, storage, and meal receipt practices meet all regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular quality checks to ensure food is prepared and served according to standards.
• Ensure that all meals meet nutritional guidelines and standards set by the organization and regulatory bodies.

Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate with the Program Director and RBO regarding menu needs, allergies, and dietary modifications.
• Communicate any food-related concerns (temperature, shortages, delays) promptly to site leadership.
• Maintain clear handoff procedures so teaching staff and leadership can manage distribution safely.

Family Engagement

• Support Healthy Cooking workshops as available during scheduled work hours.
• Recruit new families for our program through tabling, advertising in the school community, and hosting recruitment events.

Professional Development

• Participate in offered training, workshops, In-Service days, and/or All-Staff conferences.
• Maintain certification requirements including the DOH Food Handler's License.
• Engage in coaching or reflection activities as applicable.
• Support the growth of the center including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment.
• Check their Children's Aid email on a regular basis.

Health and Safety

• Adhere to all state and city food safety requirements, CACFP standards and Children's Aid protocols.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment (clean and organized kitchen and storage areas)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education Credential i.e., IEP/ Local/ HS Diploma or equivalent preferred
• Must hold a valid Department of Health Food Handler's License issued by New York State

Key Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to read and follow recipes, and to prepare foods from scratch.
• Excellent cooking skills
• At least two years' experience managing a foodservice program and a kitchen, including ordering food.
• Interest in and some knowledge of healthy eating
• Familiarity with CACFP nutrition guidelines is considered a plus.
• Effective communication skills
• Resourceful & dependable
• At least 1-year experience working in a program serving infants and toddlers, and children with Special Needs
• Dedicated, excited and enthusiastic about working with young children and families.
• Must abide by privacy laws, including HIPAA, etc.

A review and final determination of credentials and qualifications are reserved for the site Program Leaders and the Food Service Manager

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.