Culinary and Program Specialist

Description

This position is responsible for preparation and monitoring of the program’s food service plan, ensuring safe protocols are in place and effectively followed, and overseeing resident use of kitchen facilities. The Culinary and Program Specialist will offer group trainings pertaining to kitchen safety and related Adult Living Skills to individuals in recovery, as well as ensure the program remains adequate inventory of food items and supplies. This position will offer support to the program to ensure smooth, consistent operation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•  Prepares healthy and nutritious meals in accordance with the agency’s four-week cycle menu and in accordance with the USDA/US Food Code/ NY Subpart 14-1.
•  Maintains current Managers ServSafe certification. If not ServSafe certified, Food Service Specialist shall obtain certification within 6 months of hire.
•  Maintain all ordering and record keeping to remain in good status with FeedMore of WNY (to include Managers ServSafe Certification).
•  Maintains an inventory of required program supplies that are necessary for the day-to-day operation of the program (bedding, hygiene care, cleaning supplies).
•  Orders all food service supplies.
•  Ensures compliance with OSHA standards, including using personal protective equipment, completing material safety data sheets, and more.
•  Actively works with the agency’s Dietetic Technician, Director of Food Services or Nutritionist to ensure that all residents’ dietary needs are being met.
•  In addition to the supervisory relationship with the Program Manager, this position shall collaborate with the Director of Food Services.
•  Conducts daily inspections of the kitchen to ensure compliance with all safety and sanitary standards. Maintains related sanitation and safety forms.
•  Ensures that all safety-related systems, such as fire extinguishers and kitchen suppression systems, are working properly.
•  Ensures that the program’s kitchen is operating efficiently and safely.
•  Reports and documents any issues related to the kitchen or food service. Monitors the temperatures of all food service equipment including freezers, refrigerators, and coolers. Promptly informs program manager and supervisor of any concerns that arises
•  Prepares, serves, and cleans up after the program’s meals.
•  Monitors food temperature while preparing, cooking, and serving.
•  Implements Caz Kitchen Basics and Safety to all residents and oversees their implementation afterwards.
•  Ensures the food storage areas are clean, free of debris, and in compliance with standards set by the Department of Health.
•  Maintains the program’s dining areas through set up and cleaning, and in compliance with standards set by the Department of Health
•  Maintains all stock of program supplies at all times (toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies)
•  Helps maintain and teach residents how to use the Garden Tower.
•  Reports any pest management issues to the Program Manager and Director of Food Services.
•  Maintains a positive working relationship with the agency’s support services (US Foods, Food Bank of WNY, local vendors, etc.) in consultation with the Program Manager and Food Service Manager.
•  Collaborate with the program manager/supervisor on duty to be present at all times when a 3rd party vendor is at your location.
•  Assisting with assigning chores and follow up upon completion. Collaborate with the program manager with any additional deep cleaning that needs done.
•  Assist with clean up for room turnover
•  Possess a general knowledge of contagious diseases (i.e., HIV, Hepatitis B, TB etc.) and takes precautionary measures to limit transmission.
•  Maintains the SNAP program: obtains benefit cards, processes the daily collection and credits, and submission to administration on a weekly and monthly basis.
•  Properly documents SNAP information into electronic documents (Edocs) by including benefit information, uploading of documents, and making financial notes when needed.
•  Serves on agency committees as requested.
•  Assists in the implementation of the agency’s policies and procedures.
•  Is mindful of and integrates Trauma-Informed Care and its five principles in all duties and interactions with fellow staff, residents, and external partners.
•  Maintains compliance with all required rules and regulations, including Federal Confidentiality (42 CFR, Part 2), HIPAA, Medicaid and/or HUD, and any others.
•  Carries out duties essential to the above stated responsibilities as assigned.
•  Regular attendance at work location.
•  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•  Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

•  High School Diploma/GED
• Two years’ experience in settings whose operations are comparable to residential treatment programs.
•  Must possess a valid New York State Driver’s license and reliable automobile