Food Services Coordinator

Job Summary

The Cook/Food Service Coordinator is responsible for planning, preparing, serving, and storing nutritious meals and snacks that support the health and development of young children. This position ensures that all food service operations comply with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards, local health department regulations, food safety requirements, and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. The Cook/Food Service Coordinator maintains a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen while supporting children's nutritional needs, accommodating special dietary requirements, and promoting a safe food service environment.

Key Responsibilities

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The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position. Additional duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

Meal Planning and Food Preparation

- Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious meals and snacks that meet the nutritional needs of children and comply with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) requirements, when applicable, as well as center menus and approved recipes.

- Ensure meals are developmentally appropriate and accommodate documented food allergies, medical dietary needs, and approved dietary restrictions.

- Prepare, portion, and serve food in a safe, sanitary, and timely manner while maintaining required food temperatures and quality standards.

Food Safety and Kitchen Operations

- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen by following all food safety, sanitation, infection control, and safe food handling procedures in accordance with Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards, local health regulations, and center policies.

- Receive, inspect, label, store, rotate, and monitor food inventory to ensure product quality, minimize waste, and maintain adequate supplies.

- Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment, promptly reporting maintenance or safety concerns to administration.

Documentation and Regulatory Compliance

- Maintain accurate food service records, including menus, meal production, temperature logs, inventory, and other required documentation to support licensing, health department, and CACFP compliance.

- Cooperate with licensing inspections, health inspections, and regulatory reviews while supporting the center's commitment to food safety and quality standards.

Health, Safety, and Risk Management

- Maintain a safe kitchen environment by properly storing food, equipment, cleaning supplies, and hazardous materials while following established emergency procedures and reporting unsafe conditions promptly.

- Implement procedures to prevent cross-contamination and allergen exposure, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children served.

Team Collaboration and Professionalism

- Collaborate with classroom staff and administration to ensure meals are prepared and delivered on schedule while communicating effectively regarding children's dietary needs and special accommodations.

- Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service while supporting the mission, values, and quality standards of the Child Development Center.

- Maintain required certifications, training, and continuing education in accordance with Texas licensing requirements, food service regulations, and Goodwill policies.

Supervisory Duties

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This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Pass all required HHSC background checks and licensing requirements.

- A criminal background check is required in accordance with applicable law and Goodwill policy.

- Valid driver's license and driving record acceptable to Goodwill's liability insurance provider required.

- Must be willing to accept instructions and carry them out with minimal supervision.

- Must be able to work and cooperate with others.

Education and/or Experience

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High school diploma or GED preferred. Current Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain within the timeframe required by state or local regulations. At least one (1) year of experience preparing meals in a licensed childcare center, school, or healthcare setting. Experience with USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal requirements preferred. Current pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within required timeframe. Ability to complete all required preservice and annual training.

Minimum Requirements

- High school diploma or GED preferred; current Food Handler Certificate or ability to obtain within required timeframe.

- At least one (1) year of experience preparing meals in a licensed childcare center, school, or healthcare setting; experience with USDA CACFP meal requirements preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Knowledge of food allergies, cross-contact prevention, special dietary accommodations, food safety and sanitation practices, and safe food handling and temperature control; ability to prepare meals for young children.

- Strong organizational, time management, communication, and teamwork skills; ability to work independently and efficiently; flexible, dependable, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism; positive, patient, and professional demeanor; proficiency with computers and standard office software.

Core Competencies

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- Emotional Maturity and Respect

- Integrity

- Interpersonal Skills

- Stewardship and Accountability

- Commitment to Goodwill's Mission, Vision, and Values

- Commitment to Excellence and Customer Service

- Community and Service

Physical Demands

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The physical demands described here are representative of those that may be encountered by an employee performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically required to:

- Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds; bend, squat, and kneel frequently; stand and walk for extended periods; move quickly in emergency situations.

- Push carts and transport food throughout the center; work in a hot kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, and cooking equipment.

- Requires regular interactions with children, staff, vendors, health inspectors, and licensing representatives; regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

- Work is performed in a childcare and hot kitchen environment. Noise levels range from quiet to loud. Regular exposure to heat, steam, cooking equipment, cleaning chemicals, and food products. Occasional outdoor exposure when transporting food or supplies.

Discrimination Reports

It is the policy of Heart of Texas Goodwill to ensure equal employment opportunity in accordance with all state and federal regulations and guidelines. Employment discrimination against employees and applicants due to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national origin, disability, age (40 years old or more), genetic information, military status, or veteran status is illegal. Any employee who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Compliance Officer.

Point of Contact: Compliance Officer | 1700 S New Road, Waco TX 76711 | 254-753-7337 ext. 450 | [email protected]