Catering Specialist

Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley•Dayton, OH

10d

About The Position

The Catering Specialist supports the Catering Manager in the day-to-day operations of the catering program within GESMV's Developmental Disabilities (DD) Division — Program Services. This role assists in staffing and serving catering events, maintaining food safety standards, and working directly alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to provide meaningful vocational training and employment opportunities. The Catering Specialist will be responsible for ensuring daily production of catered meals, delivery of catered meals to assigned locations, shopping for food items and inventory, and meeting all quality and safety standards as determined by ServSafe and local county health boards.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in food service, catering, or restaurant management required.
Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to GESMV’s liability insurance provider.
Ability to pass a criminal background check.
Ability to pass random drug screenings.
Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
Ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with disabilities in a community-based setting.
Demonstrated leadership and staff supervision skills.
Knowledge of food safety regulations and catering operations.
Proficiency in basic record keeping and program documentation.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or coursework in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
ServSafe Food Manager Certification required (or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire).
Prior experience working with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities is strongly preferred.
Experience in a vocational, day program, or human services setting preferred.
Familiarity with Individual Service Plans (ISPs) and person-centered planning a plus.
Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist the Catering Manager in planning, coordinating, and executing catering orders and events on behalf of the DD division program.
Support menu preparation, food inventory management, and food preparation activities in accordance with health and safety standards.
Help maintain compliance with ServSafe standards, local health department requirements, and all organizational food safety policies.
Assist with catering schedules, client communications, event logistics, and delivery coordination.
Work directly alongside individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a strengths-based, person-centered manner.
Provide hands-on job coaching and vocational training in food preparation, catering setup, customer service, and related skills.
Support the implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) in collaboration with case managers, DSPs, and families.
Model professionalism, patience, and genuine inclusion in all interactions with program participants.
Support participants in achieving their vocational goals while maintaining dignity, respect, and personal choice.
Assist in maintaining accurate records related to catering activity, food logs, expenses, and participant attendance.
Support reporting functions for the Catering Manager and Program Director as requested.
Ensure all program activities comply with GESMV policies, DD division regulations, and applicable state and federal guidelines.
Participate in program planning meetings, staff trainings, and organizational events as required.
Other duties as assigned.
Assist in providing guidance and direction to catering program staff, job coaches, and volunteers under the direction of the Catering Manager.
Assume supervisory responsibilities for program staff in the absence of the Catering Manager.
Support onboarding and training activities for new team members as directed.
Help maintain a team culture centered on accountability, compassion, and quality service.