Culinary and Program Specialist (Full Time/Mon-Fri 8a-4p)

Cazenovia Recovery Systems•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

The Culinary and Program Specialist prepares and monitors the program’s food service plan, ensures safe food-service protocols are followed, and oversees residents’ use of kitchen facilities. The role provides group training on kitchen safety and related adult living skills to individuals in recovery, maintains adequate inventories of food and program supplies, and supports smooth, consistent program operations. The specialist prepares and serves nutritious meals according to the agency’s four-week cycle menu and applicable USDA, US Food Code, and New York Subpart 14-1 standards. The position maintains ServSafe certification, food-service ordering and records, kitchen sanitation and safety documentation, equipment temperature records, and compliance with applicable health and safety requirements. It also supports residents’ dietary needs in collaboration with kitchen operations and nutrition staff, helps residents learn kitchen and garden skills, and assists with chores, cleaning, and room turnover. Additional responsibilities include maintaining SNAP records and transactions, coordinating with vendors, supporting agency policies and committees, and applying trauma-informed care principles while maintaining required confidentiality and regulatory compliance. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and requires regular attendance at the work location.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency diploma.
Two years of experience in settings whose operations are comparable to residential treatment programs.
Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable automobile.
Current ServSafe certification, or obtain ServSafe certification within six months of the start date.

Responsibilities

Prepare healthy, nutritious meals according to the agency’s four-week cycle menu and USDA, US Food Code, and New York Subpart 14-1 standards.
Maintain ordering and recordkeeping required for good standing with FeedMore of WNY, including ServSafe certification records.
Maintain inventories of food, food-service supplies, bedding, hygiene-care items, cleaning supplies, and other day-to-day program supplies.
Ensure compliance with OSHA standards, including use of personal protective equipment and completion of material safety data sheets.
Work with the Director of Kitchen Operations or Nutritionist to ensure residents’ dietary needs are met.
Conduct daily kitchen safety and sanitation inspections and maintain related forms.
Ensure fire extinguishers, kitchen suppression systems, and other safety-related systems are functioning properly.
Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and safely; report and document kitchen or food-service issues.
Monitor temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, coolers, and food during preparation, cooking, and service; promptly report concerns to the Program Manager and supervisor.
Prepare and serve meals and clean up afterward.
Teach Caz Kitchen Basics and Safety to residents and oversee residents’ implementation of those practices.
Keep food storage areas clean, free of debris, and compliant with Department of Health standards.
Set up and clean dining areas and maintain them in compliance with Department of Health standards.
Help maintain the Garden Tower and teach residents how to use it.
Report pest-management issues to the Program Manager and Director of Kitchen Operations.
Maintain positive working relationships with support services, vendors, and food providers in consultation with the Program Manager and Director of Kitchen Operations.
Be present with the program manager or supervisor on duty whenever a third-party vendor is at the location.
Assist with assigning chores and following up on their completion; collaborate with the Program Manager on additional deep cleaning.
Assist with cleanup for room turnover.
Take precautionary measures to limit transmission of contagious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and TB.
Maintain the SNAP program, including obtaining benefit cards, processing daily collections and credits, and submitting information to administration weekly and monthly.
Document SNAP information in electronic documents (Edocs), including benefit information, uploaded documents, and financial notes when needed.
Serve on agency committees as requested and assist with implementing agency policies and procedures.
Integrate Trauma-Informed Care and its five principles into duties and interactions with staff, residents, and external partners.
Maintain compliance with required rules and regulations, including Federal Confidentiality (42 CFR, Part 2), HIPAA, Medicaid, and/or HUD requirements.
Carry out other duties essential to the stated responsibilities as assigned and maintain regular attendance at the work location.