Assistant Cook

Proposed Start Date 07/16/2025

Classification Title Cook 1

Working Title Assistant Cook

Department 260401 – CDC Helen Gordon Office

position Number D95700

Representation OP – SEIU/OPEU Local 503

Position FTE 1

End 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/Hours Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm

Total 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

Additional Information

Special Working Conditions:

The Assistant Cook is exposed to heat from the dishwasher and the oven/stove on a regular basis as well as falls, slips, cuts and burns from working in a commercial kitchen. The Assistant Cook is on their feet most of the work day. Lifting and carrying of 50 lbs. is required. Working in a child care center & commercial kitchen requires the ability to deal with multiple stimuli: noise, sustained activity, and continuous emotional and physical demands.

Additional Application Instructions (deadlines, etc.)

Please list the names, phone numbers and email addresses for three professional references.

Background Check Required Yes

If you have questions

Please contact Sean Quigley at srq@pdx.edu.

Posting Close Date

Application screening begins 06/30/2025

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