Food Service Associate

ZEPF CENTER • Toledo, OH

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for over 50 years, providing behavioral health and substance use disorder services. This position is responsible for assisting the Food Service Specialist and the Kitchen Coordinator in managing the daily operations of the Ashland Avenue kitchen and ensuring the provision of meals for clients in 24/7 programs at Zepf's Ashland Avenue location. The role involves collaborating with the management team and staff to deliver exceptional customer service and high-quality meals to clients. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with Health Department Food Safety Regulations, assisting with inventory, preparation, delivery, and cleanliness of the kitchen and food service areas, and overseeing lunch and dinner meal service at the Ashland Avenue location. Employees are expected to meet their regular work schedule, which may include rotation of shifts, weekends, and holidays. Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness will not be tolerated.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of one year experience working as a cook in a commercial food operation.
• Willingness to work on an “as needed” basis in addition to regularly scheduled hours.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation and the ability to drive for work-related tasks as needed.
• Obtain ServSafe certification within 1 month of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with DiningRD Plateful software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform "set-up" work for the next shift, including washing, cutting produce, combining ingredients in recipes, and cleaning meat and fish as needed.
• Receive food prepared at the Recovery House kitchen and ensure temperatures are at safe holding levels.
• Assist with maintaining kitchen inventory, including ordering and stocking supplies, and ensuring accurate record-keeping of meals served and supplies used.
• Check that orders contain the correct type and amount of side dishes before final preparation and delivery.
• Safely transport prepared meals to designated Zepf locations when needed, ensuring proper handling and temperature control.
• Maintain accurate records of food deliveries, including meal counts, and ensure that all prepared foods are date-marked, initialed, and described in accordance with Health Department regulations.
• Clean and sanitize food preparation areas to establish and maintain proper hygiene.
• Wash and store all cooking appliances, utensils, cutting boards, serving containers and trays, ensuring that all kitchen equipment is maintained in good working condition.
• Sweep and mop kitchen floors and wipe down walls regularly to maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Ensure that kitchen cleaning routines are consistently followed to meet Health Department Food Safety Regulations.
• Open and close the Ashland kitchen and cafeteria for breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals according to the established opening and closing procedures, ensuring all tasks are completed for the next shift.
• Ensure breakfast and snack items for 24/7 programs at Ashland Avenue are appropriately stocked and rotated.
• Adhere to all Health Department Food Safety Regulations, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and ServSafe guidelines to ensure a safe and compliant kitchen environment.
• Receive, label, and store deliveries of fresh and shelf stable food and other items in an organized manner, maintaining proper food safety practices for the Ashland Avenue kitchen.
• Monitor food storage and ensure that prepared foods are properly labeled, stored, and tracked according to regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of inventories, resident meals served, meal counts, and daily logs as part of the kitchen’s operational documentation.
• Ensure proper reporting and record-keeping for both food inventory and meal service, adhering to organizational and regulatory standards.
• Work a full-time schedule and adapt to any schedule changes or additional needs.
• Collaborate effectively with the kitchen team and other Zepf Center staff to ensure smooth kitchen operations and client satisfaction.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Sets up and cleans up cafeteria food serving line.
• Sets up the kitchen for the next shift.
• Verifies correct portions and side dishes before serving.
• Keeps kitchen clean and organized for smooth operations.
• Follows proper kitchen opening and closing procedures.
• Manages food inventory and storage efficiently.
• Works well with kitchen staff and team members.
• Demonstrates flexibility in performing various tasks.
• Supports high-quality service for clients.
• Ensures adherence to all regulatory requirements, including food safety standards and health department guidelines.
• Maintains high standards of cleanliness, food preparation, and storage in compliance with regulations.
• Complete all mandatory staff training requirements and attend all mandatory staff meetings.
• Demonstrates the ability to manage time effectively, prioritizing tasks to maintain kitchen flow and meet meal delivery schedules.
• Optimizes kitchen operations, ensuring resources are used efficiently without compromising quality.
• Provides excellent service to clients by ensuring meals are delivered on time and meet dietary needs.
• Addresses client concerns or requests promptly, ensuring a positive experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED