Cook Job Description 

Position Overview 

All Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) employees are required to uphold the mission and vision of ACCF, and to foster an environment that promotes the academic, social, emotional and physical development of each child enrolled. 

The Cook prepares nutritious breakfast, lunch, snacks and/or dinners for students while following food safety precautions. 

Classification: Non-Exempt / Hourly 

Schedule: Full Time 

Reports To: Kitchen Supervisor 

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Fulfill all job responsibilities according to best practices and standards outlined by regulatory agencies such as the USDA, Palm Beach County Health Department and the Child Care Food Program 
• Prepare meals according to a predetermined schedule and in appropriate quantity as to avoid excessive amounts; serve appropriate portions and balanced meals 
• Plan weekly meal menus as well as menus for special occasions for supervisor review; meals should reflect cultural and ethnic diversity 
• Ensure necessary menu items and ingredients are procured and prepared 
• Maintain a record of menus and post in kitchen, Parent’s Bulletin Board in reception area and classrooms as required 
• Record and report quantities served accurately and in a timely manner 
• Store or freeze excess food and make every effort to use left over amounts on another meal within the food safety guidelines of food preparation and storage 
• Manage and track meal service food and supplies 
• Responsible for the proper storage, cleanliness, rotation and processing of all food inventory and supplies.  
• Store all inventory in an orderly manner at all times 
• Maintain the cleanliness and appearance of kitchen(s) and dining area(s) at all times; duties include cleaning dishes and mopping after each food service and daily cleaning of appliances, sinks, work surfaces, floors, trash cans, storage shelves and cooking ware and utensils 
• Report maintenance needs and/or repair issues to supervisor as soon as possible 
• Label and date all containers that store products that are not within their original container or package 
• Post and maintain working knowledge of the allergies and medical and/or religious exemptions associated with individual children; provide an appropriate, allowable substitute in each instance 
• Participate in food audits and remain flexible in work schedule to allow for special events 
• Other duties as assigned 

 Education & Experience 

• High School Diploma 
• Completion of 40-hour DCF course within the first year of employment 
• 2 years’ experience in meal service or related field 
• Food Manager Certification or the willingness to obtain certification upon employment 

Knowledge & Values 

• Strong commitment to ameliorating the social challenges faced by low-income children and families through high-quality programming and support 
• Commitment to respectful, positive behavior toward, and interactions with, children and families, colleagues, volunteers and visitors is a must 

Essential Skills & Abilities  

• Strong organizational skills 
• Ability to understand and implement specific written and verbal food preparation instructions 
• Ability to project a positive attitude 
• Ability to manage time effectively 

Essential Physical Abilities 

• Be able to lift 25-30 lbs. 
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to handle kitchen tools, including sharp and hot objects  
• Must be able to stand for extended period of time while preparing meals 
• Must be able to tolerate temperature changes in kitchen 
• Must be able to safely handle food and kitchen utensils at variety of temperatures 

Additional Employment Information 

• Pre-employment training may be required 
• Pre-employment and ongoing background checks required  
• Pre-employment and random drug testing & alcohol screening  
• 90-day initial probation period 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement ACCF is an equal opportunity employer. A non-discrimination clause concerning employment opportunity is incorporated in the Employee Policy and Procedure Manual. ACCF will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as Amended (ADA).