Cook Casual Position Job Description 2013

Position DescriptionPosition Title:Casual Children’s Centre CookClassification:Level 3 Cook Trade Professional Child Care Standard 2012Hours:5 hours per fortnight 7.30am-12.30pmevery second WednesdayTime:Casual PositionReports to:DirectorDate of Preparation:June 2013Date of Commencement:June 2013Background Information Merri Community Childcare Centre and Kindergarten Inc is currently a 49 place parent managedcommunity based Childcare Centre & Kindergarten.Key Responsibilities:The casual cook will prepare nutritionally balanced meals for all of the centre’s children. Thecasual cook will be responsible for preparing morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for all of thecentre’s children. All food provided to the children will take into account children that haveallergies, special diets and religious dietary requirements. In partnership with the full-time cook1 Page

the casual cook will ensure that all meals served are in accordance with the Start Right Eat Rightguidelines, Australian Dietary Guidelines and other government agencies.Duties & ResponsibilitiesMenu Planning Work with the set menu in place and prepare meals accordingly Plan for and cater for all children’s dietary requirements including; anaphylaxis to food,food allergies, cultural dietary requirements and personal beliefs dietary requirements To effectively manage your time so that meals are prepared in a timely manner Actively take part in risk minimisation assessments and actively plan for children withanaphylaxis & food allergies Communicate with the full-time cook re all food requirements Ensure food is presented to children in an appealing and timely mannerNutrition To contribute to planning a nutritionally balanced menu, in accordance with the AustralianDietary guidelines and under the Centre policy of Start Right Eat Right guidelines.Children Ensure that children are welcomed and farewelled from the centre when appropriate Work with the team to ensure a comfortable, inviting, stimulating caring meal timeatmosphere is maintained Treat each child as on individual and respond to their needs accordingly Assist in the preparation and maintenance of resources to provide learning experiences thatmay involve cooking experiences Ensure all requirements of children with allergies, intolerances and other dietary needs aremet within the menu planning and meal preparationHygiene & Safety Wearing gloves and an apron hygienically prepare lunch, morning tea and afternoon teafollowing safe food practices Tie back hair and keep away from food Maintain and adhere to Workplace OH&S at all times2 Page

Maintain a tidy, clean, hygienic kitchen free from debris and clutter Ensure that the kitchen cleaning checklist is completed and signed on a daily basis Ensure all centre Educators, cooks and other persons adhere to effective hand washingpractices before entering the kitchen, after handling raw meat, dairy products and rubbishCultural Diversity To work with the full-time cook to incorporate a variety of cultural food choices into themenu To work with the full-time cook to encourage and promote collaboration with families,community and Educators for menu suggestions and planningAllergies and Regions Requirements To work with the full-time cook, room Educators and individual families to maintain up todate to records in respect to all food allergies, intolerances and religious requirements Ensure that children’s dietary requirements are displayed for easy reference and access(whilst maintaining confidentiality)Policies Actively participate and contribute to the Food safety Program, the National QualityStandards & EYLF Work in accordance with the Education and Care Services National Law & Regulationsand National Quality Standards Keep up to date in relation to Department of Health Guidelines and other communitystandards as required To maintain the philosophy of the centre and abide by the Australian Early ChildhoodAssociation Code of Ethics and the Centre policies and procedures Comply with OH&S principles and practices by reporting all workplace accidents andhazards as well as implement immediate action for identified hazards if able to do so Ensure workplace harassment and discrimination does not occur Comply with DEECD regulations and other regulatory /legislative requirements. Solve day to day problems by using effective communication techniques Maintain neat, appropriate appearance and clothing and wear closed in shoes3 Page

Teamwork Maintain effective and precise communication channels with the full-time cook via thecommunication book, phone, notes or email Promote a positive working relationship with colleagues, families, children, Coordinatorand the public To have the right attitude at all times and have the ability to work as part of a team andcontribute positively Maintain a positive and flexible approach to change. Participate in special projects such as Children’s Week, fundraising functions,parent/teachers evenings, AGM’s, working bees, information nights, end of year party Participate and actively contribute to staff meetings and staff development sessionsoutside of normal hours as required. Effectively communicate with team members on matters concerning children & families Undertake duties as delegated by the centre Coordinator e.g. maintaining general andspecific housekeeping duties Maintain confidentiality at all times regarding matters within the Centre. Attend and actively contribute to the staff training as planned in the staff appraisalprocess; contribute to social and fundraising activities To ensure total confidentiality is maintained at all times To be aware at all times of the routine of the Centre and be able to respond to situationsas requiredFamilies Communicate to families the centre’s menu In partnership with the full time cook provide families with the opportunity to suggestrecipe ideas and feedback on the menu Assist the full time cook with offering families the opportunity to suggest recipe ideasand feedback about the menu To respect different cultures and child rearing practises and incorporate them into yourprogramme whenever possibleFood & Budget Work with the full time cook to coordinate all food purchasing for the centre menu inaccordance with the centre’s budget and finances4 Page

In partnership with the full time cook to monitor expenditure against the centre’sbudget In partnership with the full time cook coordinate all shopping and deliveries usingapproved supplierKnowledge, Skills and Attitude Experience in the preparation of food for children Understanding of duty of care towards children and commitment to meeting duty ofcare at all times Ability to work unsupervised Knowledge of the nutritional requirements for children 0-5 years Knowledge of children’s allergies and intolerances and the ability to adapt the menu tosuit individual children’s requirements Knowledge of hygienic food preparation, storage and cooking practices Good level of interpersonal and communication skills Ability and commitment to maintaining confidentiality Effective and proficient time management and organisational skills Ability to be flexible and to work as a co-operative team member A genuine desire and a commitment to support health and nutritionSelection CriteriaSelection will be based on the following Selection Criteria; however, reference will also be made toother listed skills, knowledge, and attributes as required in the Position DescriptionEssential Qualifications Food Handling Certificate Level 2 Food safety supervisor (Preferred but not essential) Certificate III Children’s Services (Optional but not essential) Knowledge of nutrition, children’s’ eating habits and dietary requirements. Demonstrate proficiency in English both written and oral A working knowledge of all licensing and legislation relating to the provision of food andhealth within Children’s Services. Ability to work without supervision & demonstrated ability to work as part of a team andcontribute positively Ability to use Initiative and demonstrate good interpersonal skills5 Page

Competency in the use of Information & TechnologySalary and Conditions of Employment Salary and Conditions will be in accordance to the Professional Childcare Standard 2012: AnAgreement for Staff in Victorian Early Childhood, Multiple Business Collective Agreementwith the United Voice - the Childcare union & VCSA (Victorian Children's Services AssociationChildren’s Centre). Year level will depend on years of experience.Applications to:Committee of ManagementAttention: PresidentC/o Merri CCC & Kindergarten Inc313 St Georges RdThornbury Vic 3071Or Via e-mail to ions Close:29 July 2013Late Applications: Applications received after the closing date will only be accepted in exceptionalcircumstances. Late applications will only be considered up to the close of the short listing and in all casesthe selection panel will assess each late application on its merits and the panel’s decision willbe final. Applicants are responsible for ensuring they meet the closing date.6 Page

1 P a g e Position Description Position Title: Casual Children’s Centre Cook Classification: Level 3 Cook Trade Professional Child Care Standard 2012 Hours: 5 hours per fortnight 7.30am-12.30pm every second Wednesday Time: Casual Position Reports to: Director Date of Preparation: June 20