Food Program Specialist

SOUTH CENTRAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING CTR•Andover, KS

About The Position

The Food Program Specialist is responsible for preparing and serving attractive, nutritionally balanced meals for the children. This position is responsible for maintaining high standards of quality food production and portion control using standard recipes and also for appropriate quantities of food needed to meet menu requirements. This position also performs a variety of maintenance tasks such as sweeping, light mopping, and maintaining refrigerators, freezers and store areas in a neat and clean order. This position is also responsible for unpacking food trucks orders after delivery, while labeling and storing food in standards that comply with KDHE regulations.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Must have a valid ID.
This position must pass all security checks.
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
Knowledge of recipe development, general nutrition, and large-quantity food preparation.
Knowledge of and ability to apply basic food preparation methods.
Ability to maintain all equipment used in cooking, food preparation, food storage, and cleaning/sanitation in a safe and efficient manner.
Ability to adapt to changes (i.e. food substitutions and numbers served).
Good written and oral communication skills.
Good organizational skills.
Ability to make independent decisions in a logical, responsible, and compassionate manner.
Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of staff and clients with emotional disorders and behaviors.
Knowledge of basic mathematics, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication.
Read, write, speak, & communicate in English fluently.
Regularly required to talk & hear.
Regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
Lifting or moving up to 50 pounds safely.
Proven ability to readily adapt to changing priorities and to follow orders under changing conditions.
Ability to work cooperatively with all levels of employees, outside contacts, vendors, contractors, etc.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze resources.
Pass a criminal background and driver’s license check to the satisfaction of SCMH.

Responsibilities

Plans, prepares and serves attractive and nutritionally balanced meals for the children, promoting and reinforcing good nutritional habits; trying new foods, portion control and a balanced diet.
Utilize Production Worksheets to plan proper amounts of ingredients to prepare menu items sufficient for the number of clients to be served.
Adhere to ingredients, measurements and cooking methods as stated on the recipes to meet the nutritional requirements (maintain 30% total fat content of meals).
Ensure that food supplies are securely stored.
Meet Title 22 sanitation requirements, including but not limited to:
Wearing proper cooking attire (i.e. apron, hat or hair net, gloves, etc.).
Instructing others to wear proper attire during food handling.
Using proper dishwashing methods.
Ensuring that all dining tables and chairs, kitchen, cooking-related areas, and equipment are clean and in good working order at all times.
Cleaning kitchen areas after each meal is served.
Alert the Supervisor asking for unsafe equipment to be removed and/or assistance with cleaning difficult-to-clean food preparation areas.
Assist the Supervisor with ordering food and supplies as necessary.
Performing all duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and management staff.