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

Cazenovia Recovery Systems Inc•Buffalo, NY

About The Position

The Culinary and Program Specialist prepares and monitors the program’s food service plan, promotes safe kitchen operations, oversees residents’ use of kitchen facilities, and helps ensure consistent program operations. The role prepares and serves meals according to the agency’s four-week cycle menu and applicable food-safety standards, maintains food and program-supply inventories, and conducts kitchen, food-storage, and dining-area safety and sanitation checks. The Specialist provides residents in recovery with training in kitchen safety and related Adult Living Skills, including Caz Kitchen Basics and Safety, and helps residents use the Garden Tower. The position also handles food and supply ordering, records and compliance documentation, SNAP processes, coordination with vendors and agency kitchen leadership, and other program-support duties. It works under a supervisory relationship with the Program Manager and collaborates with the Director of Kitchen Operations.

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.
ServSafe certified, or able to obtain ServSafe certification within six months of the start date.

Responsibilities

Prepare healthy, nutritious meals in accordance with the agency’s four-week cycle menu and USDA, US Food Code, and NY Subpart 14-1 requirements.
Maintain Managers ServSafe certification, or obtain certification within six months of hire if not already certified.
Maintain ordering and records required to remain in good standing with FeedMore of WNY.
Maintain inventories of program supplies needed for daily operations, including bedding, hygiene care, and cleaning supplies.
Order food-service supplies and maintain stock of supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning 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.
Collaborate with the Director of Kitchen Operations and work within the supervisory relationship with the Program Manager.
Conduct daily kitchen inspections, maintain related sanitation and safety forms, and ensure compliance with safety and sanitary standards.
Ensure fire extinguishers, kitchen suppression systems, and other safety-related systems are working properly.
Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently and safely, and report and document kitchen or food-service issues.
Monitor temperatures of food-service equipment, including freezers, refrigerators, and coolers, and promptly report concerns to the Program Manager and supervisor.
Prepare and serve meals, clean up afterward, and monitor food temperatures during preparation, cooking, and serving.
Teach residents Caz Kitchen Basics and Safety 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 and vendors, including US Foods, Food Bank of WNY, and local vendors, in consultation with the Program Manager and Director of Kitchen Operations.
Coordinate with the Program Manager or supervisor on duty to be present when a third-party vendor is at the location.
Assist with assigning chores, follow up on their completion, and coordinate additional deep cleaning with the Program Manager.
Assist with room-turnover cleanup.
Use general knowledge of contagious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B, and TB, and take precautions to limit transmission.
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.
Assist in 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.
Carry out other duties essential to the stated responsibilities as assigned and attend work regularly at the work location.