Job Information
Mississippi State University Extension Cook in Gulfport, Mississippi
*Essential Duties and Responsibilities: *The Cook is responsible for production/preparation, food purchases, and service of meals in accordance with established Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and State guidelins and standards of nutrition, health, and sanitation. This employee will assist in the planning of nutritious meals and snacks for Head Start students, parents and teachers and perform administrative tasks in support of the food preparation process, including documentation maintenance of records.
The Cook is responsible for the implmentation of food servies in a Head Start program serving childern ages 3-5.
*Nutritious Cooking: *Prepares nutritious meals that take into consideration childr's various cultures and individual nutritional needs.
- Understand and uses child nutritional needs and age-specific portion sizes to prepare meals in accordance with USDA guidelines.
- Understands and strictly adheres to health, safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements before, during and after meal preparation.
- Follows menu guidelines and adjusts when necessary, due to availability of menu items or an individual child's needs.
Food Services:
- Prepare assigned menu and particpate in family-style meals with childern, volunteers, and staff
- Maintain food service and record-keeping and reporting as directed by supervisor.
- Conduct weekly food and supplies order sheets and fax to Headquarters.
- Check food deliveries for accuracy and for good quality. Notify Headquarters when an item is missing or of poor quality.
- Monitor and maintain proper food temperatures.
- Monitor and maintain proper temperatures of all refrigeartor and freezers.
- Maintain list and be aware of center food allergies and concerns. Prepare alternative menu itmes as needed for the affected childern.
*Non-Essential Duties: *
- Performs any and all other duties (or functions) as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
- Substitution; an equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
- SerSafe Certification or obtain such certification within 3 months.
- Physical exam and background checks are required for this position
- Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.
Full time employee benefits include tuituion remission, personal and major medical leave, retirement, and medical insurance.