Description:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist with preparing, portioning, serving, and distributing meals and snacks according to established menus and dietary requirements. Follow food safety, sanitation, infection-control, and safe food-handling procedures at all times. Maintain clean and sanitary kitchen, dining, food-preparation, and storage areas. Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, utensils, cookware, and food-service equipment. Receive, store, rotate, and organize food and kitchen supplies using appropriate foodstorage practices. Monitor food temperatures and maintain required food-safety documentation. Follow special diets, food allergies, restrictions, and other dietary instructions provided by authorized clinical or dietary personnel. Assist with inventory control and notify the appropriate supervisor when supplies are low or food items need replenishment. Properly dispose of food waste and maintain appropriate trash and recycling procedures. Operate kitchen equipment safely and report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly. Provide courteous and respectful service to residents and staff while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Support a calm, structured, and therapeutic dining environment. Follow all facility policies and procedures related to resident safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, and emergency response. Communicate effectively with supervisors and members of the treatment team regarding food-service concerns or resident dietary needs. Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Service Supervisor or facility leadership.

Requirements:

Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous food service, institutional dining, healthcare, school, or residential-care experience preferred. Knowledge of basic food preparation, sanitation, and food-safety practices. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately. Ability to work cooperatively with residents, coworkers, supervisors, and other professionals. Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, patience, and attention to detail. Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries when working with residents. Ability to work effectively in a behavioral-health residential setting. Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Ability to bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and lift food-service supplies as required. Ability to safely handle kitchen equipment and supplies. Ability to lift and carry items within the requirements established by the facility.