HEAD COOK, PSELC

VACANCY ANN#:   STOI-23-031

TITLE:                      HEAD COOK

DEPARTMENT:       477/TANF PSELC

LOCATION:             WELLPINIT, WA

SALARY LEVEL:     $15.74 - $19.11 / PER HOUR, HR 1

STATUS:                  REGULAR, FULL-TIME

OPENING DATE:     MAY 4, 2023

CLOSING DATE:     OPEN UNTIL FILLED 

INTRODUCTION:

The Pauline Stearns Early Learning Center provides a safe and developmentally appropriate environment that is culturally relevant to children and families which reside, work, or attend school on the Spokane Indian Reservation.  The primary emphasis of the program is to provide Early Childhood learning in an educational setting.  The Early Learning Center promotes competence in our children, parent alliances, community collaboration and proficiency in our staff.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare approximately 100-130 meals a day that meet Child Care, CACFP, and USDA nutrition requirements, giving consideration to children’s special dietary needs for children, staff, and volunteers.
• Utilize scratch cooking methods at all times possible.
• Change or adapt menu if supplies are not present and record changes.
• Maintain a work schedule in which food production flows smoothly.
• Develop and follow standardized recipes, and use portion control methods, including the weighing and measuring of meal components.
• Maintain monthly Child and Adult Care Food Program documentation as well as monthly meal counts.
• Ensure all program staff is properly trained on all child nutrition requirements for both sites.
• Document all training attended and provided.
• Complete all necessary kitchen documents in a timely manner.
• Maintain an adequate pantry for emergency food service for up to three days.
• Maintain an updated menu and recipe binder to include Child Nutrition (CN) labels and/or Product Formulation Statements.
• Prepare a shopping list weekly for the following week’s menu.
• Purchase food and supplies according to planned menu and seasonal availability each week.
• Ensure that meals are prepared on a timely schedule, meeting CACFP requirements.
• Use initiative, judgment, and creativity in seasoning food, estimating amounts to be prepared, utilizing leftovers, and preparing attractive foods.
• Use food production and food storage procedures that are acceptable to Washington State Health Department.
• Maintain sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas including cupboards, ovens, defrosting freezers, wiping spills, etc.
• Maintain an orderly and clean kitchen at all times, including washing dishes and utensils as required by licensing/Health Department in accordance with mandatory washing/rinsing/sanitizing methods.
• Collaborate with the ELC Director to ensure the nutritional services meet the USDA, CACFP, and Child Care Licensing requirements; utilizing a rotating menu cycle.
• Abide by all Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines.
• Clean kitchen daily
• Attend mandatory annual training as required by management.
• Prepare baking for special events such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any family events.
• Maintain congenial and respectful relations with staff, children, families, and community;
• Be a contributory team member in a positive/productive manner.
• Assist in the classroom of most need during any slow kitchen times throughout the day. This may include attending to children’s basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers;
• Support children’s emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts;
• Positively interact with the children assisting them in selecting or participating in developmentally appropriate activities;
• Engage the children in appropriate language development through conversation and vocalization;
• Attend staff meetings and designated training programs;
• Collaborate with lead staff members
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of American Indian culture, traditions, and language;
• Knowledge in working with low-income children and families;
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing services to children, families, and community members;
• Knowledge of the Child and Adult Care Food Program;
• Knowledge of healthy menu planning;
• Knowledge of scratch cooking, especially utilizing whole grains;
• Ability to maintain a neat and orderly work environment;
• Knowledge of proper washing and sanitizing techniques;
• Knowledge of early childhood development and child development stages;
• Knowledge of program requirements for early childhood/childcare services;;
• Knowledge of current computer programming and ability to utilize the world wide web adequately to create adequate shopping lists and monitor current changes with the
• CACFP;
• Skill in observation and data collection;
• Skill effective verbal and written communication;
• Skill in submitting reports in a timely fashion;
• Ability and willingness to maintain absolute confidentiality of sensitive information;
• Ability to communicate effectively with other co-workers, management, and other programs as part of CACFP;
• Ability to make independent conclusions and decisions;
• Ability to practice tact, courtesy and discretion;
• Ability to work under stressful conditions;
• Ability to work flexible hours;
• Ability to lift and maneuver small children on an ongoing basis and the necessary physical dexterity to work with small children 30-50 lbs. on average.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Washington State Food Handlers Certification required prior to start date;
• Ability to obtain the following certificates and licenses within the specified time frame:    “Blood borne Pathogens (1 month), First Aid and CPR certification Infant and Children (2 months); these trainings and certificates are expected to be renewed and maintained;
• Ability to complete 30 hours Basic STARS training within six months of hire, and 10 hours as required on an annual basis;
• National CACFP Child Nutrition Professional Certification OR willingness to obtain within two years of hire date is required, CACFP Management Professional Certification preferred;

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to be Tribally insured
• Successful clearance of Criminal History and Background inquiry—Tribal, State, and Federal—required to obtain portable background check through Washington State Department of Children Youth and Families within one month of hire date and renew every three years.
• Successful clearance of National Child Abuse Registry and Neglect Data System. Additional checks will be utilized to determine retention.
• Current and up-to-date immunizations including a current TB skin test, annual influenza Vaccine TDap in lieu of Tetanus vaccine (preferred), Hepatitis B Vaccination;
• Washington State Food Manager Certification Training & Washington State Food Allergy Training OR willingness to obtain within two years of hire date is required. A signed educational contract will be required if educational mandates are not currently met

PREFERRED REQUISITES:

• Two years (2) experience working with children 6 weeks – 6 years in a group setting (or a combination of work and education pertaining to Early Childhood Education);
• Previous experience working with Native American clientele and understanding of their cultural needs preferred.

*SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION

*SECTION 101.630: This position will have regular contact with and/or over children as part of their job duties.

Contact: Sabrina McCoy or Empero Corral

Ph: 509-458-6583 or 458-6527 Fax: 509-458-6556

E-mail: hrfrontdesk@spokanetribe.com

Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date.

The Spokane Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Hiring Policy

All Applicants are subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Test, Safety Sensitive Positions Also Test for Marijuana

All Positions with the Spokane tribe of Indians are subject to a 90-day orientation period

Salary : $16 - $19