Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Portland State University
Position Details
Proposed Start Date07/16/2025Classification TitleCook 1Working TitleAssistant CookDepartment260401 - CDC Helen Gordon OfficePosition NumberD95700RepresentationOP - SEIU/OPEU Local 503Position FTE1End date, if applicable
Brief Description of PSU/School/Dept
Helen Gordon Child Development Center (HGCDC) and Helen Gordon Infant/Toddler Center (HGITC) are full-day children’s programs for Portland State University, serving children aged six weeks to five years. Located on the PSU campus in downtown Portland, the Centers provide model early childhood programs for the children of Portland State University students, faculty and staff, and the Portland community. The Centers are a laboratory for students and faculty participating in observation, practice and research activities in Early Childhood Education, Child, Youth and Family Studies, psychology, and related fields. HGCDC is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Position Summary
The Assistant Cook assists the Food Program Coordinator & Lead Cook in preparing nutritious meals for the children of the program following USDA/CACFP guidelines and supports the Lead Cook in organizing and maintaining a full-service kitchen at an assigned HGCDC program.
Minimum Qualifications from Classification
-One year of experience as a cook in a commercial food service facility; OR
-Possession of a Certificate of Completion in culinary arts and/or Foods and Hospitality Service from a certified community college or technical school.
Additional Minimum Qualifications for this Position
- Staff must maintain continuous enrollment in the Office of Child Care, Central Background Registry.
- Staff must maintain certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR.
- Staff must complete the Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect in Oregon training.
- Staff must hold a current Oregon Food Handler’s Card.
- Staff must complete the Safe Sleep for Oregon’s Infants training.
- Staff must complete the Introduction to ChildCare Health & Safety training.
- Staff must complete the Prevention is Better Than Treatment training.
- Staff must complete the Foundations For Learning training.
- Staff must participate in and maintain 24 clock hours of training or education annually as defined by the Oregon Rules for Certified Child Care Centers as well as SPARK, Oregon’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with young children.
- Prior experience with childcare or school food service.
- Knowledge of USDA/CACFP program guidelines.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Creates an environment that acknowledges, encourages and celebrates differences.
- Functions and communicates effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities and cultural backgrounds.
- Seeks opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adheres to all PSU policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship
Contributes to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively works toward achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Work Days/HoursMonday to Friday 7:30am to 4:30pmTotal Compensation Range & Benefits Statement
The starting salary rate for this position will be between $17.53 and $18.79 per hour. The starting salary may be negotiable above this range, however it will be dependent upon the knowledge, experience, skills and abilities of the chosen candidate, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
PSU’s excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have one year of experience as a cook in a commercial food service facility?
- * Do you possess a Certificate of Completion in culinary arts and/or Foods and Hospitality Service from a certified community college or technical school?
- * Please describe any prior experience you have with young children or in child care food service.
(Open Ended Question)
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- PSU Website
- Indeed.com
- HERCJobs
- Urban League of Portland
- Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
- Oregon Employment Department
- Social Media
- Person Referral
- Career Builder
- Glass Door
- Other - Please describe in the next Question
- If you selected Other, please describe.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents Required Documents- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Professional References
Optional Documents- Statement of Interest
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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