JOB TITLE: Cook/Custodian                                                                     SALARY RANGE: 6
SUPERVISES: N/A                                                                                    WORK STATION: Kitchen/Center
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO:
Site Supervisor
Nutrition Manager
Maintenance Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Head Start Cook/Custodian is responsible for preparing and assisting in serving breakfast, lunch
and a snack for the Head Start center. Meals are served daily and will meet all requirements and
nutritional guidelines. Meals will be in adequate amounts and will be served only for children, staff
and guests at the Head Start center. The Cook/Custodian is responsible for the cleanliness of the
kitchen, all areas used for food preparation, and overall cleanliness of the Head Start center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Prepare and serve nourishing and attractive meals each day meeting all nutritional standards.
2. Assist in the development of recipes and menus and follow these in the preparation of all
meals.
3. Responsible for maintaining a sanitary environment, including the cleanliness of the kitchen
supply rooms, kitchen equipment and utensils.
4. Provide and maintain a clean, sanitary and healthful environment for the Head Start center and
classrooms.
5. Responsible for implementing USDA, state and local health regulations.
6. Assist the center staff in planning and implementing methods for integrating the educational
and nutritional components of the Head Start program.
7. Perform weekly inventory of all perishables and monthly inventory of non-perishables, and
cleaning supplies. Place orders from appropriate vendors, keeping within budget.
8. Maintain necessary documentation concerning all purchases and submit all required reports.
9. Be aware of children with special needs, including any food allergies, and individualize menus,
when needed.
10.Responsible for storage of cleaning supplies and materials.
11.Assist with removal of trash and other debris from the center daily.
12.Responsible for cleaning restrooms, classrooms, and kitchens.
13.Work cooperatively with all other center staff to assist with maintaining a clean, healthy,
environment.
14.Understand responsibility of being a mandated reporter for Child Abuse and Neglect. Read
and understand Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Failure to follow reporting procedures,
including incidents involving other staff members, may result in termination.
15.Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
2. Ability to prepare a variety of attractive, well-balanced, nutritious meals in large quantity, within
menu requirements.
3. Knowledge of basic nutrition standards and applicable health regulations.
4. Ability to keep food and other inventory records.
5. Ability to follow written and oral directions.
6. Attend all required training as directed by component specialists and area supervisor.
7. Maintain conduct that promotes a positive image to staff, parents, agency and community.
8. Obtain initial medical exam and TB assessment within 30 days of employment. Complete a
medical exam and TB assessment every five years following initial employment.
9. Pass background screen, child abuse/neglect screen, drug screen, and be subject to random
drug testing.

Additional requirements:
Possess personal qualifications: emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the standards of
the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical
and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities. Must have good verbal
communication skills and visual ability to observe children. Ability to fulfill responsibilities under
pressure, including during emergencies.

Working Conditions:
Risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. Risk involved with travel on main highways, side
streets and rural roads during the transportation of children. Risk of exposure to communicable
diseases. Must be able to lift 55 pounds, many times a day, climb into the school bus, bend, kneel
and squat frequently. Job requires standing for long periods of time, as well as stooping, squatting,
running; and sitting in child sized chairs and/or on the floor.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a
person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be
performed in such a position, including changes in location, classroom, caseload, and hours. The
Executive Director may, at any time, for disciplinary purposes, the utilization of personnel, or for the
general good of the program, reassign an employee from one position to another position.
______________________________________________________________________________
I accept the duties and responsibilities as outlined in this position description. This position is not
exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

_________________________________ ______________________
Signature of Employee                              Date
_________________________________ ______________________
Signature of Supervisor/Mentor                 Date of Orientation

Rev 8-21