Cook / Nutrition Provider II - Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City

• Acts as a support function in meeting the nutritional needs of program-eligible preschool-aged children.
• Responsible for the daily operation of a Head Start kitchen and the preparation of nutritious, economical, and edible meals by USDA Child Care Program requirements, performance standards, and established menus.
• Works cooperatively with staff, parents, and the Staff Nutrition Specialist.

• Prepares and serves required meals in proper waste-free quantities to include breakfast, lunch, and supplements.
• Develops cycle menus by the USDA Child Care Food Program with assistance and input from the Nutrition Specialist, parent(s), and the Nutrition Provider I.
• Maintains kitchen equipment in a clean and sanitary condition and performs preventive maintenance.
• Knowledgeable of USDA Child Care Food Program regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Responsible for the proper storage of food to include health, sanitary, and temperature requirements.
• Responsible for the proper disposal of kitchen waste.
• Participates in continued training to improve nutrition skills in all areas of the Food Service Career Field.
• Works cooperatively with center staff and volunteers to incorporate nutrition into the total curriculum and participates in center food-related learning activities.
• Follows required sanitation and safety practices to include personal appearance and hygiene.  Responsible for the overall cleanliness of the kitchen.
• Participates and assists in the planning of parent nutrition and Consumer Education in cooperation with the staff, Nutrition Specialist, and Center Director.
• Maintains daily records, by meal, of the number of children and adults participating and the types and quantities of food utilized.
• Maintains an inventory and record of foods purchased, vendor/company used, and price by item.
• Maintains a perpetual inventory of USDA commodities issued and utilized.
• Identify and recommend equipment needs.
• Develop and test new recipes and products.
• Responsible for the control of rodents and insects within the kitchen, effecting required extermination actions.
• Works with Nutrition Provider I in ensuring that the Head Start nutrition mission is accomplished.

• Work responsibilities are performed in a commercially furnished, licensed childcare facility.
• Must be physically fit to stand for hours while preparing meals, reach above the head and below the knee, and be able to lift forty-five (45) pounds.

• High school graduate or GED.
• A minimum of two (2) years of paid experience in the preparation of food from basic recipe ingredients.
• Must meet all applicable requirements established by state and funding sources including fingerprinting.
• Good health and personal hygiene.
• Ability to obtain Food Handler’s permit.
• Must be willing to attend continued career field training.
• Have transportation available and a valid Oklahoma State driver’s license.
• Ability to work with diverse cultures, the public, and pre-school children.
• Have no physical restrictions that would preclude the performance of assigned duties.
• Meet required Work Environment standards.

• Formal training and experience in quantity cooking, nutrition, and kitchen/food management.
• Experience in working with young children.

The Community Action Agency of OKC/Oklahoma County was established in 1966, and initially was financed by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which launched the nation’s “War on Poverty.” Eventually the funding was consolidated into the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). The Community Services division was implemented early on, serving low-income residents of Oklahoma County. Early programs included implementing the Food Stamp program and offering a nutrition program for seniors at meal centers.Today the division has greatly expanded to offer legal assistance; tax assistance; summer youth programs; senior transportation to meal sites, medical appointments, and shopping; rent and mortgage assistance; and other community needs.HEAD STARTThe Agency’s first Head Start center opened its doors to 39 families in 1965. Within two years, nine new centers and 575 children entered Head Start in Oklahoma County. Today we have 26 Head Start classrooms in 15 public schools, and 98 Head Start classrooms total providing services to thousands of children in Oklahoma County.