ECE Lead Cook

OUR PURPOSE

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Denver has been serving northern Colorado since 1927. We serve tens of thousands of people each year in seven ministries: Marisol Services (for women), Early Childhood Education, Shelter Services, Catholic Charities Housing, St. Raphael Counseling, Family, Kinship, and Senior Services; and Parish & Community Services.

Our employees are crucial to our success in achieving our Mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need. Catholic Charities provides a work environment where self-motivated and mission driven individuals are recognized and rewarded. We accomplish this through:

• Employer sponsored training
• Culture of Trauma-Informed Care
• Generous compensation and benefits package.

Catholic Charities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to welcoming applicants and program participants of all faiths; as well as an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, volunteers, and program participants. Candidates who bring diversity to our team are encouraged to apply.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This position is responsible for food production for ECE schools that are run by Catholic Charities using CACFP guidelines. The lead cook works directly with the Food Services Manager.

An ECE Lead Cook at Catholic Charities:

• Executes food production for meals served for ECE schools.
• Knowledgeable of CACFP food requirements for children in all production capacities.
• Works with Food Service manager and ECE Nutritionist on menu planning with production input.
• Assists in the planning of production and food orders for ECE menus.
• Receives products and preps menu prior to cooking menu items.
• Assists with food production and presentation of daily menu items for ECE.
• Monitors that only the highest standard of quality is maintained in the production of the daily meals for ECE schools.
• Monitors that all kitchen sanitation and safety regulations are observed at all times.
• Works with existing cooking staff to determine timing for use of kitchen appliances needed for ECE meal production.
• Understands portion sizes and creates appropriate portion sizes for all menu items in order to minimize waste and maintains appropriate levels of needed inventory.
• Supports, promotes and adheres to Catholic Charities’ vision, mission, values and Code of Ethics.
• Reflects Catholic Charities’ commitment to treating all persons with dignity and respect.
• Uses creativity and innovation in program development and service delivery.
• Maintains confidentiality of client and agency information.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

• Institutional and restaurant experience as well as a good working knowledge of all food preparation and production standards including sanitation safety standards.
• Good working knowledge of all commercial grade kitchen equipment.
• The ability to be able to function independently and maintain self-sufficiency with minimal supervision.
• Good interpersonal communication skills, flexibility and willingness to shift priorities as needed.
• Knowledge of the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and the appropriate techniques and practices for the client population.
• Ability to interact effectively as a team member and independently with Agency staff and with a diverse client base.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and one to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Obtain Serve Safe Certificate within 30 days of hire
• Obtain CACFP Food Certificate within 30 days of hire

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary: $19-20/hr. DOE.

Training: We provide a robust training curriculum that will support our employees throughout their career. Training provided within the first year of employment includes: De-escalation & Safety; Public Speaking; Mental Health First Aid; Substance Abuse & Mental Health; Human Trafficking; Trauma Informed Care; and many more.

Benefits: In addition to being part of a higher purpose while working in a challenging yet rewarding environment, eligible Catholic Charities employees receive a generous benefits package, including:

• Extensive Paid Time Off (4 weeks accrual for new employees - increasing based on tenure) promoting work life balance.
• 9 Paid Holidays annually (shelters are 24/7, so there may be a need to work some holidays, which would include holiday pay).
• 403b Retirement Plan with Agency contribution of 4% & match up to 2% of annual compensation.
• Choice of 3 PPO Medical Plans (90% of employee's and 75% of dependent’s premiums is paid by Agency), Dental, & Vision starting the 1st day of the month following start date.
• May be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through Federal Student Loans and many more benefits.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM? If you are ready to make answer the call and make a difference, please submit your application online at ccdenver.org/careers. We look forward to meeting you!

We conduct background checks as part of our hiring process.

Drug-Free Workplace.

We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Consistent with applicable laws, Catholic Charities makes all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any physical or mental disability of someone otherwise qualified, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy of non-discrimination applies to all aspects application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

EEO/AA