Cook

About Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC)

Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) is a nonprofit organization serving children and families across Oregon through early education and family support programs. At OCDC, our work has purpose. Every role contributes to creating stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for children across Oregon.

Position Summary

Designs and prepares meals that are age appropriate and follow the nutritional guidelines established by United States Department Agriculture (USDA) by controlling food preparation, preparing food and following recipes.

Essential Functions

Prepares food by:

• Completing preparation procedures.
• Ensuring quality and appropriate quantity of food.
• Completing production records and making adjustments as necessary.
  
  

Assists In Menu Planning By

• Meeting with Food Services Supervisor and parents to develop menu cycles for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that are culturally appropriate.
• Reviewing and modifying menu plans within guidelines.
• Monitoring popularity of various dishes.
• Following Registered Dietician plan for children with allergies and special needs to ensure that their needs are met.
  
  

Orders Food And Kitchen Supplies By

• Preparing a list of required food items and other kitchen supplies for the Food Service Supervisor in a timely manner in accordance to Agency purchasing guidelines.
• Collaborating with Food Service Supervisor and parents in planning weekly food orders.
• Maintaining inventory and checking food products when they are delivered.
• Ensuring the use of the First-In/First-Out (FIFO) system of food usage.
  
  

Maintains a Clean And Safe Environment By

• Complying with federal, state, and local sanitation requirements.
• Following procedures in the use of kitchen utensils and operation of equipment.
• Instructing or training Cook Assistant in following sanitation and kitchen procedures.
  
  

Follows Outlined USDA Regulations By

• Documenting the amount of food served daily.
• Ensuring that all staff provides daily food count in a timely manner.
  
  

Monitors Food Quality And Presentation By

• Tasting and smelling prepared dishes.
• Viewing color and texture and verifying portion sizes.
• Checking for proper food temperature.
  
  

Controls Costs By

• Adhering to established standards for quality and quantity following USDA and Head Start Standards.
• Using available and seasonal ingredients.
• Developing effective methods of utilizing food surpluses and leftovers.
  
  

Contributes To a Team Effort By

• Participating in interview and selection for cooking staff.
• Conducting orientation for new staff as needed.
• Attending team meetings, staff meetings, parent meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Providing meals during local staff or parent meetings as requested.
• Fostering an understanding of Head Start, its mission, goals, objectives, and program services.
  
  

Maintains Confidence And Protects Agency Operations By

• Keeping information confidential.
  
  

Continually applies safety practices in all facets of the performance of duties by:

• Complying with OCDC safety standards.
• Supporting participation of a safe environment.
• Immediately reporting any unsafe or hazardous working conditions and/or any injury.
• Participating in emergency drills and assisting in the evacuation of the children.
• Collaborating with management staff for the prompt completion of injury investigation, corrective actions, and inspections as required.
  
  

Other Responsibilities

• Performing other work related or assigned duties.
  
  

Education And Experience Requirements

• High School diploma or GED with at least one year experience in quantity cooking, particularly for children in the ethnic group being served
  
  

OR

• A combination of culinary schoolwork OR experience cooking in large restaurant or industrial setting equivalent to 24 months education and work experience.
  
  

Pay Range

The pay range for this position is $18.94 to $23.65 hourly. Placement within the range is determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, certifications, and internal equity.

Benefits

OCDC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellbeing, and work–life balance. Eligible employees (20+ hours/week) may receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off, sick leave, holidays, and paid leave programs
• Employer paid life and disability coverage, with voluntary options available
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness resources
• Optional benefits including pet insurance
  
  

At OCDC, employee wellbeing is a priority and an essential part of supporting our mission and communities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

OCDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

OCDC is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please let us know.