Cook Aide (10-month, Full-Time)
The Guidance Center
Summary
As a Cook Aide in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program, you will assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment and nutritional practices that support the healthy well-being of children, adhering to The Guidance Center, Office of Head Start Performance Standards, State of Michigan Child and Adult Care Food Program, and other applicable policies.
Job description
Kitchen Operations
- Prepare and serve meals according to planned menus and nutritional and CACFP guidelines.
- Adhere to sanitation and safety procedures including proper food temperatures, storage, and preparation guidelines.
- Order foods and supplies from approved vendors to meet menu and/or site needs.
- Assist in receiving orders from vendors and ensure proper items are delivered.
- Operate, clean, and maintain all food service equipment.
- Wash dishes, pots, pans, and utensils using approved sanitation methods.
- Deliver meals from kitchen to classrooms.
Documentation
- Assist in planning menus that meet each child's daily nutritional needs, including children with special dietary needs and/or restrictions.
- Complete required reports and maintain related documentation according to CACFP guidelines, including invoice breakdowns and end-of-month inventory.
Professional Development
- Attend a minimum of 16 hours of professional development training annually on topics relevant to job responsibilities.
- Maintain and update individual Professional Development Binder.
- Develop and achieve a minimum of three professional development goals annually.
- Attend staff, agency, staffing, and other meetings as required.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Experience in professional food service operations
- Knowledge of appropriate food preparation methods and sanitation practices
- Demonstrate cultural competency and sensitivity and respect to diverse backgrounds, needs, and experiences of children, families, community volunteers, and TGC employees
- Pass physical examination and background checks before hire
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Flexible Scheduling
- Team-Oriented Work Environment
Company overview
The Guidance Center is a nonprofit mental health care organization dedicated to providing comprehensive behavioral health services to individuals and families in need. As a community-based mental health provider, the organization offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions, counseling services, and support programs designed to address various mental health challenges. Their services typically include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, family counseling, and specialized programs for children and adolescents. The Guidance Center operates with a mission to promote mental wellness, reduce stigma around mental health issues, and ensure accessible care for underserved populations. They often collaborate with local healthcare systems, schools, and community organizations to deliver integrated care that addresses both mental health and social determinants of wellbeing. The organization plays a crucial role in community mental health infrastructure by providing evidence-based treatments, preventive services, and educational outreach programs that support overall community resilience and individual recovery journeys.