Work involves serving prepared meals to children in a friendly, efficient and clean atmosphere.  Under the supervision of the Chef/Kitchen Manager and/or the Kitchen Assistant Manager this position is responsible to perform various functions depending on the need of the kitchen, including receiving and unpacking deliveries, storing all food used in the Head Start program in a safe and sanitary manner, cleaning and sanitizing preparation area, utensils, and equipment daily. May be responsible for the delivery of food.

Hourly Rate: $16.34

Signing Bonus: $2,000.00

Schedule:  27.5 Hours Per Week / 10 Month School Year

Hours:  07:30AM - 1:00PM

Main Work Location: 

1435 Liberty Street

Trenton, New Jersey 

• Assist in food production and preparation as directed and coordinated by the Kitchen Supervisor.
• Wash, cut or prepare needed food items such as fresh fruits, vegetables in a timely manner.
• Appropriately packaging all food items and milk for delivery to classrooms and follows directions for providing appropriate, specified quantities to children and adults.
• Ensure proper portion sizes are delivered to each classroom appropriate for infant, toddlers and preschool children.
• Complete inventory of infant formula and baby foods weekly and inform Nutrition Supervisor if items and supplies are needed.
• See that assigned classrooms have sufficient utensils, napkins, etc. for meals.
• Monitoring food supplies and informing the supervisor of low stock.
• Retrieves bus pans with dirty dishes from classrooms and returns to kitchen for washing.
• Complete all safety checklists daily and maintain the work area in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
• Cleaning and sanitizing all food preparation tools, instruments, and equipment before and after each use including ranges, ovens, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, and other food service equipment.
• Stores food in first-in, first-out order on shelves in accordance with the local health and sanitation requirements. Clean other kitchen area as assigned.
• Assists in regular cleaning and organizing of the pantry and other storage areas.
• Assist in the food delivery of Head Start and Early Head Start with the assigned driver when needed.
• Maintains a cooperative attitude of working together with the kitchen/meal service staff.
• Interacts pleasantly, patiently and appropriately with Early Head Start children, staff and volunteers.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Team-player attitude willing to provide additional support to the health/meal services team as needed.

Education Requirement: 

High School Diploma or GED

Experience Requirements:  

Minimum of one year of experience in food service preparation and one year experience working with preschool aged children.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of standing and walking, ability to access and navigate all areas of the kitchen, ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Certification:  Food Safety and Sanitation Certification:  Training will be provided by CHS at time of hire.

Qualifications:

• Safely operate, clean, and maintain utensils and equipment used in an institutional kitchen.
• Strict adherence to sanitation requirements in the handling and preparation of food.
• Use approved chemicals safely and according to directions on container for cleaning food areas.
• Have a valid driver's license and be able to drive between Head Start/Early Head Start Centers.
• Ability to organize and manage time effectively.
• High energy, problem solving skills and a positive approach.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, parents, and other staff members.