Lead Food Services Specialist

Hope Network Careers•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

We are helping people overcome. Join us. Each year at Hope Network, 2,800+ talented professionals serve individuals across 280 unique locations. Some serve by providing hands-on care or medical treatment, others serve by assisting behind the scenes, but they all play an integral part in creating comebacks. With your help, we can take on the challenges, the barriers, the statistics, and the seemingly impossible. With your help, we can take on the challenges, the barriers, the statistics, and the seemingly impossible. What You'll Be Doing: Maintain reliable attendance and follow Hope Network policies, procedures, and required training. Ensure compliance with Adult Foster Care Licensing, CARF standards, and Health Department/ServSafe food safety guidelines. Prepare high-quality, nutritious meals according to menus and special diet requirements. Train and support Food Service Specialists; provide oversight in the absence of the Food Service Coordinator. Assist with menu planning, updates, and seasonal menu cycles to meet resident needs and preferences. Support food purchasing, inventory management, and expense tracking. Maintain kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and equipment safety; submit maintenance requests as needed. Promote a positive, team-oriented work environment with clear communication across departments. Monitor resident food preferences and satisfaction, including special events and requests. Assist with departmental events and respond to emergencies or safety drills as required. General Job Requirements: High School Diploma or GED required Food service and kitchen sanitation experience preferred ServSafe certification preferred Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards Ability to work respectfully with diverse populations Strong customer service, initiative, and problem-solving skills Effective communication skills and basic computer proficiency Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods Willingness to complete required training and annual refreshers Ability to assist with inventory, purchasing, and supervision as needed Our strength lies in diversity – empowering us to meet the distinct needs of over 34,000 individuals we're honored to serve each year.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
Ability to work respectfully with diverse populations
Strong customer service, initiative, and problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills and basic computer proficiency
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
Willingness to complete required training and annual refreshers
Ability to assist with inventory, purchasing, and supervision as needed

Nice To Haves

Food service and kitchen sanitation experience preferred
ServSafe certification preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain reliable attendance and follow Hope Network policies, procedures, and required training.
Ensure compliance with Adult Foster Care Licensing, CARF standards, and Health Department/ServSafe food safety guidelines.
Prepare high-quality, nutritious meals according to menus and special diet requirements.
Train and support Food Service Specialists; provide oversight in the absence of the Food Service Coordinator.
Assist with menu planning, updates, and seasonal menu cycles to meet resident needs and preferences.
Support food purchasing, inventory management, and expense tracking.
Maintain kitchen cleanliness, sanitation, and equipment safety; submit maintenance requests as needed.
Promote a positive, team-oriented work environment with clear communication across departments.
Monitor resident food preferences and satisfaction, including special events and requests.
Assist with departmental events and respond to emergencies or safety drills as required.