Cook

Job DetailsJob Location: Kankakee, IL 60901Salary Range: $15.00 - $16.50 HourlyJob Title: Cook                                                             FLSA Status: PT Non-Exempt Reports to: Childcare Director                                    Revision Date: 4/28/2025 ______________________________________________________________         Position Summary: The Cook is responsible for guaranteeing that the children are served nutritious, good tasting and appealing meals and snacks. It is the Cook's responsibility to prepare these meals and snacks by methods that maintain high nutrient levels and that are sanitary. It is also the Cook's duty to deliver meals to the classroom ready for meal service and suitable for the children's age and development. This position involves extensive organizing, problem solving, record keeping, and time management.   Our Culture Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. At the YMCA Childcare Center, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing and we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.   Essential Functions:  Creates menus in accordance with ISBE guidelines. Creates recipes. Plans and prepares foods in accordance with the Menus and Recipes. Purchases food and supplies necessary to prepare the planned menus for the number of enrolled children and program staff. Plans meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval, purchases and serves food of equivalent nutritional value.  Prepares meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients is lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need. Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen. Washes all dishes and maintains a clean and sanitary kitchen area. Modifies menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies. Delivers foods from the kitchen to the classrooms ready to be served as suitable for the children's age and development.  Picks up food and dishes from the classroom to return to the kitchen. Assures that all food items are stored appropriately to health department guidelines. Assures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; identifies equipment needs for food preparation and service and assists in purchasing as needed. Cooperates with and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, parents and children. Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities. Attends and participates in in-service training, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities. Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the grantee and delegate agency as requested. Performs other duties, as assigned.     YMCA Competencies (Leader): Mission and Community Oriented: Accepts and demonstrates YMCA values. Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. People Oriented: Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and to remain calm in challenging situations. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.  Results Oriented: Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Supports fundraising. Follows budgeting policies and procedures and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Personal Development Oriented: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process.   KSA’s (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) Emotional maturity when working with children. Cooperation with the purposes and services of the program Respect for children and adults Flexibility, understanding and patience. Physical and mental health that do not interfere with childcare responsibilities. Good personal hygiene Comfortable with frequent interaction with children Listening skills, availability and responsiveness to children Use of positive discipline and guidance techniques Ability to provide an environment in which children can feel comfortable, relaxed, happy and involved in play, recreation and other activities. Ensure classroom health and safety standards are upheld and maintained.   QualificationsQualifications: High school diploma or GED. Must be at least 19 years of age. Food handler certification. Certifications required upon hire: CPR, First Aid & AED (Certification in Pediatric CPR/First Aid Training Preferred), Child abuse prevention, Blood-borne Pathogens and New Employee Orientation. Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Ability to lead and relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community. Medical Release form CFS 602 filled out by physician, including proof of negative result of 2-step TB test and MMR immunization. Must submit to a DCFS background check (Form CFS 718-B), and be fingerprinted (if necessary) A minimum of 3 written references Complete Mandated Reporter Training within the first 30 days of employment   Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, and occasionally may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.