Temporary/Seasonal Food Preparer

Lubbock County•Lubbock, TX

About The Position

The Food Preparer at the Lubbock County Juvenile Justice Center prepares nutritious meals according to daily menus and approved recipes, serves meals on schedule, and maintains sanitary kitchen and dining areas in accordance with local, state, and federal guidelines. The position also prepares evening snacks, keeps meal production and food-storage records, checks and stores incoming products appropriately, monitors refrigeration and freezer temperatures, and reports spoilage or equipment issues. The Food Preparer follows food-safety and hygiene procedures, cleans kitchen supplies and equipment, completes daily and weekly cleaning tasks, and maintains inventory and security of knives and other potentially dangerous objects. The role also requires securing kitchen doors and equipment at the end of each shift and promptly reporting missing items or dangerous situations. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must meet NCIC/TCIC employment guidelines.
Must be of good moral character.
Must be able to read and write English well enough to prepare a meal from a menu without assistance and complete required reports.
Must have at least one year of experience in an institutional kitchen setting or one year of related schooling.
Knowledge of standards for Juvenile Detention Facilities and Juvenile Residential Facilities.
Ability to prepare meals for a flexible daily student population and 12 staff members three times daily, as well as evening snacks for students.
Ability to make informed decisions and communicate effectively in writing and orally.
Must have a telephone, an automobile, a valid Texas Driver’s license, and liability insurance on the vehicle used for work purposes.

Nice To Haves

Texas Food Handler Certification is requested but not required.

Responsibilities

Follow daily menu plans and approved recipes; obtain supervisory approval for menu changes.
Serve meals at assigned mealtimes and maintain daily records of meals served, including meal production sheets.
Use appropriate equipment to prepare and serve nutritious meals.
Prepare nutritious evening snacks for residents.
Inspect incoming food products for proper packaging and damage before storage.
Store opened dry goods in labeled plastic canisters and keep food products in appropriate bins or at least six inches off the kitchen floor.
Record refrigerator and deep-freezer temperatures and check weekly for spoilage; notify the supervisor about products requiring disposal.
Maintain a clean appearance and follow hygiene requirements, including wearing a hair shield and sanitary gloves when serving food.
Ensure anyone working in the kitchen wears a hair shield and wash hands and nails thoroughly with antibacterial soap after restroom use and before food handling.
Clean supplies and equipment after each use, sweep and mop the work area at the end of each shift, and clean the kitchen according to the shift checklist.
Thoroughly clean major equipment weekly and dust storage shelves, cabinets, and food containers weekly.
Maintain shift inventory and security of knives and other objects in the knife drawer; keep the drawer locked and report missing knives or potential weapons immediately.
Report missing, damaged, or malfunctioning equipment immediately.
Ensure the dining area is clean at the end of each shift.
Secure kitchen doors and ensure equipment is turned off and stored properly at the end of each shift.
Report violent, dangerous, or otherwise concerning situations immediately to the Food Service Supervisor or Support Services Manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.