Food Service Specialist / Dietary Cook

About the Role

Valley Hope of Norton is seeking a full-time Food Service Specialist / Dietary Cook to join their team. This position is located in Norton, KS. Valley Hope restores lives affected by addiction and supports lifelong recovery.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures safe food handling protocols are maintained, including safe hand hygiene compliance, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature checks.
• Prepares daily meals according to menus/recipes or supervisor instruction, adjusting recipes for census fluctuations.
• Prepares meals and/or snacks according to special diet needs as ordered by the nursing department.
• Serves food to patients, visitors, and staff with a pleasant demeanor.
• Stores food items according to established guidelines and regulations.
• Performs dishwashing and sanitation for all items used in meal preparation and serving.
• Presents safety and hygiene instructions to patients assisting with dish or clean-up duties.
• Performs cleaning and sanitizing tasks as outlined on schedules for various kitchen equipment and appliances.
• Follows safety guidelines when using appliances, utensils, and commercial kitchen equipment.
• Reports safety hazards to management.
• Removes trash, boxes, and used grease to appropriate containers in a timely manner.
• Adheres to Valley Hope's philosophies, policies, and procedures, as well as those of regulating bodies.
• Participates in assigned staff meetings, staff development, and training.
• Interacts and communicates with others professionally and tactfully, treating them with respect and consideration.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Food Permit/Handler's Card; or the ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications

• Preferred: One (1) year of job or training experience in a dietary setting.
• Preferred: Specialized training in food preparation.
• Able to stand for lengthy periods and to walk, including up or down steps or stairs.
• Able to lift and carry at least 25 pounds.

Work Environment: Residential treatment facility setting; requires walking throughout the facility and may require unloading of food/stock in temperature extremes.