Food Services Manager-ITASKIN CENTER

Description

Job Summary:

The Food and Nutrition Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Kitchen and Nutrition Program, ensuring the safe, efficient, and sanitary preparation and serving of meals to staff and residents. This position is key in maintaining compliance with all Health Department regulations and ensuring a safe, clean, and well-organized kitchen environment. The Food and Nutrition Coordinator will also supervise staff, provide guidance, and support continuous quality improvement initiatives within the kitchen operations.

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Key Responsibilities:

Supervision and Staff Development:

• Provide guidance and support to kitchen staff, empowering them to solve problems independently and fostering a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
• Establish respectful, professional relationships with staff and residents, promoting personal growth and skill development.
• Set clear expectations for staff performance, delegate tasks appropriately, and monitor progress to ensure operational goals are met.
• Offer regular performance feedback and recognize staff accomplishments to promote positive morale and professional growth.
• Collaborate with other personnel and service providers to enhance service delivery and ensure program effectiveness.
• Maintain a helping role, intervening appropriately to meet service goals and provide necessary support.
• Implement continuous quality improvement practices and promote alignment with the organization's mission and values.
•  Create and manage staff schedules effectively.

Operational Oversight and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure the kitchen is in compliance with federal, state, and local health standards, including sanitation, food safety, and equipment maintenance.
• Monitor compliance with menu planning, food handling, and safety protocols according to dietary guidelines and the Health Department's regulations and MDE guidelines.
• Participate in ongoing quality assurance activities, including staff meetings, audits, and compliance reviews, and communicate findings and corrective action plans to staff.
• Assist with maintaining and revising program policies and procedures to align with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Support the development and implementation of corrective action plans to address any performance or operational issues.

Coordinator Duties and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Prepare and submit quarterly reports, including breakdowns of invoices and food supply costs.
• Maintain inventory control of food and nutrition supplies, ensuring adequate stock and proper rotation.
• Monitor kitchen equipment to ensure it is in good working order and complies with Health Department regulations.
• Coordinate menu planning, ensuring it adheres to dietary standards and addresses the needs of residents.
• Record food temperatures before meals are served to ensure food safety standards are met.
• Follow safe handling procedures for all potentially hazardous foods, including cooking meats to the required temperatures and ensuring proper hygiene practices are followed.
• Properly store leftover food, adhering to food safety guidelines (HACCP) for labeling, dating, and refrigeration.

Collaboration and Support for Residents:

• Serve meals to residents according to the designated schedule, ensuring flexibility when changes are necessary due to staff or operational needs.
• Maintain a polite and professional demeanor when interacting with residents, staff, and visitors.
• Report any unusual behavior or incidents to the appropriate staff, such as youth counselors, and assist with addressing any concerns.
• Provide support to youth involved in vocational programs within the kitchen, ensuring they receive proper guidance and training.
• Provide specialized meals/snacks for residents as required for specific dietary needs and/or restrictions.      

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Human Resources Director, as necessary to support the needs of the agency.

Working Conditions:

• This position is based in a commercial kitchen environment, requiring adherence to food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• The role may require flexibility in work hours, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate program needs.
• Exposure to heat, noise, and varying levels of activity, typical of a busy kitchen setting.
• May be required to work with individuals who have experienced trauma or have complex behavioral health n