The Cook/responsible adult prepares nutritional breakfasts, snacks and lunches for students and staff at the Skeetchestn Indian Band Preschool and assist with program support to the ECE and ECEA.  The Employee follows safe work procedures and maintains the kitchen and orders supplies.  As a member of the Preschool team, the position builds positive relationships and supports students and families.

Key Responsibilities

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Skeetchestn Indian Band policies, practices, and procedures as directed by the Principal. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to students, members,  employees, and general matters of SIB.

Food Program

• Plans meals and snacks that are varied and nutritionally balanced.
• Prepares meals and snacks according to menus, special dietary or nutritional restrictions, and numbers of portions to be served.

• Prepares food in a safe manner in accordance with generally accepted safe food handling and preparation practices. Ensures safety of children with food allergies by avoiding cross-contamination of food and providing alternatives.
• Ensures kitchen is set up with all needed ingredients and cooking equipment .
• Maintains and promotes a clean, sanitized, safe and healthy school environment at all times, including cleaning and disinfecting all kitchen surfaces and equipment such as stoves, ovens and counter tops
• Monitors, cleans, sanitizes and restocks kitchen on a daily basis.
• Orders and maintains inventory of breakfast, lunch and snack food staples and supplies such as food, eating utensils, napkins, etc.
• Ensures all food and other items are stored properly.
• Ensures that kitchen cleaning equipment is properly maintained, securely stored, and in safe, proper working condition.
• Ensures that the end of each workday the kitchen is cleaned and prepared for the next day, including washing pots, pans, dishes and other kitchen equipment.

• Manages waste as sustainably as possible through recycling, composting, and leftovers to farm animals.

• Completes tasks in a safe manner, preventing injury and taking appropriate precautions regarding student safety.
• Develops, organizes, prepares, and presents a variety of healthy, and where feasible culturally appropriate meals that expose students to Skeetchestn’s culture and traditional foods.

Responsible adult

• Must be patient and attentive
• Be able to follow a set schedule and implement lesson plans that are pre-planned
• Plan activities such as art, baking and science, etc.
• Detail oriented
• Communicate effectively with both co-workers and parents
• Be attentive to the needs and safety of the children while supervising them during daily activities including outdoor play, free play, baking and art.
• Assist children in learning how to work together and to successfully resolve conflicts.
• Have the stamina to keep up with the children and activities
• Be flexible to changes in routines
• Safely monitor children during all activities and be able to react in an emergency
• Cleaning (Daily cleaning duties that can include sanitizing toys and equipment, vacuuming, laundry, mopping, dishes and keeping the rooms tidy.)

Health and Safety

• Follows guidelines relating to health and safety and reportable incidents.

• Keeps up to date on all guidelines relating to health and safety in a kitchen environment.
• Maintains a clean and organized kitchen.
• Monitors safety of children at all times while on school property.
• Ensures a high standard of hygiene is maintained in the food preparation area(s)

• Monitors the environment daily for potential hazards and takes preventative action as required and reports all concerns to the Principal.

Qualifications

Training, Education, Experience

• Minimum Grade 10, Grade 12 or GED preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year cook or chef experience in a large-quantity cooking environment
• Experience working with school aged children K-12
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector).
• Food Safe certification.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• WHIMS certification.
• Class 5 Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Experience in using cutting tools, cookware and bakeware.
• Knowledge of various cooking procedures and methods (grilling, baking, boiling, etc.)
• Ability to follow all sanitation procedures.
• Ability to multi-task and work well in a busy environment.
• Proficient in the use and care of all kitchen equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up 40 lbs. safely and without assistance. Ability to stoop, bend, reach and stand for prolonged periods.
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with children; ability to quickly build rapport and trust.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Well organized and proactive with strong time management skills and detail orientation.
• Dependable and reliable.
• Basic computer skills including MS Office.
• Able to work independently with minimal day-to-day supervision as well as working as part of a collaborative team. 
• Genuine respect for Skeetchestn Indian Band culture and protocols.

Working Conditions

Work takes place in a Preschool where multi-tasking and high sensory attention is required. Some periods of standing, walking and lifting up to 40 lbs. Occasional travel for meetings and training may be required.