Food Service Specialist I: Full-time

Valley Hope of Norton, has an exciting opportunity for a Full-time Food Service Specialist I to join our dedicated and passionate team! 

Valley Hope of Norton, located in northwest Kansas, has provided residential drug and alcohol addiction treatment services since 1967. Valley Hope of Norton is the ORIGINAL Valley Hope, and we take great pride in that. The story of Valley Hope begins and continues on the grounds we work every day.

Our work is mission-driven, supported by a strong culture of teamwork and a compassionate environment that is the foundation of the Valley Hope organization.

 EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE :

• Food Permit/Handler's Card; or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is preferred
• One (1) year job or training experience in dietary setting.
• Specialized training in food preparation. 

COMPENSATION:

• Starting at $15.00+/hr. 

 BENEFITS: 

• Affordable health, dental, and vision insurance
• Tuition Assistance 
• Student Loan Repayment
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• 8 Paid Holidays (Including 1 Personal Holiday)
• PTO – Up to 22 Days per year based on years of service
• Paid Parental Leave 
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Health Saving and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• And much more!

JOB SUMMARY:

• Ensures safe food handling protocol is maintained at all times within the kitchen and dining areas including that safe hand hygiene compliance, cross contamination prevention, and temperature checks are followed and ensures timely documentation as directed by supervisor, local regulatory body, or written instructions.
•  Prepares/supports preparation of daily meals according to weekly menus/recipes or supervisor instruction. Properly increases or decreases recipes as needed for fluctuations in census.
• Prepares/supports preparation of daily meals and/or snacks according to Special Diet needs as ordered by nursing department.
• Provides/serves food to patients/units/programs, visitors, and staff with a pleasant demeanor.
• Stores food items according to established guidelines and/or state regulations/guidelines.
• Performs dishwashing and sanitation for all items used in preparation and serving of meals.
• Presents safety and hygiene instruction to any patients who are assigned to assist with dish or clean up duties to ensure safe kitchen environment and safe dish sanitization methods are followed.
• Performs cleaning/sanitizing tasks as outlined on the shift/daily/weekly/monthly cleaning schedules, which may include sinks, counters, ovens, stovetops, grill, fryer, serving line, salad bar, and other equipment and appliances.
•  Follows safety guidelines when using appliances, utensils, and other commercial kitchen equipment.
• Reports safety hazards to management.
• Removes trash, boxes, or other materials such as used grease to appropriate containers in a timeframe that ensures staff safety and proper food handling protocol.
• Adheres to Valley Hope’s philosophies, policies, and procedures as well as any other regulating bodies.
• Participates in all assigned staff meetings, staff development, and training as required.
• Interacts and communicates with others (patients, co-workers, management, clients, and vendors) in a professional and tactful manner including treating them with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

• Residential and/or outpatient treatment facility setting; requires walking throughout the facility and may require unloading of food/stock in temperature extremes.
• Able to stand for lengthy periods and to walk including up or down steps or stairs as needed.
• Able to lift and carry at least 25 pounds.