Food Services Specialist

Join the amazing staff of the Prince William County, Office of Youth Services as a full-time Food Services Specialist and contribute to supporting at-risk youth in the preparation of daily meals. This role is a lead cook position for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in fast-paced environments, and is passionate about preparing nutritious and delicious meals. As a Food Services Specialist, you will prepare and cook food for large groups of people at the PWC Juvenile Detention Center. The JDC provides a safe, secure, and supportive environment for court-involved youth ages of 10-17 who are criminally charged pending court adjudication, waiting for transfer to another facility or an appropriate placement.

ABOUT THIS ROLE:

The Food Services Specialist will work under general supervision of a Food Services Manager or the Juvenile Detention Supervisor or Juvenile Detention Center Assistant Superintendent. The role is responsible for training, documentation, food preparation, portion control, and serving meals. Additional duties include:

• Menu preparation and nutritional compliance.
• Purchasing food, equipment, and supplies.
• Ensuring smooth operations of the food service program.
• Preparing and cooking meals according to set menus and dietary requirements.
• Distributing appropriate portions of food onto serving plates or into individual containers and load food on carts for delivery.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene and kitchen cleanliness by keeping clean and sanitized equipment, utensils, and clean kitchen and dining areas.
• Ensuring proper storage and labeling of food items.
• Assisting with inventory checks (food, cleaning supplies and equipment) and restocking as needed.
• Monitoring the use and cost of kitchen resources.
• Collaborating with management staff to procure food and equipment for the kitchen.
• Following all health and safety regulations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or G.E.D. and 2 years of experience working with commercial kitchen tools and equipment.

PREFERENCES:

1. Experience working with commercial kitchen tools and equipment

2. Knowledge of cleaning and sanitizing practices.

3. Extensive Knowledge of Health Department regulations related to food handling practices.

4. Ability to conduct Kitchen Inventory.

5. Providing exemplary customer service.

6. Preparing and cooking food for large populations.

7. Bilingual speaker (Spanish/English)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, fumes, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, and extreme temperatures.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

8-10 hour workday on a rotating schedule that will include mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. Shifts vary depending on the needs of the facility. This position is not telework-eligible due to the nature of the role.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Must pass a DMV record check.

• Must pass an FBI Criminal History record check.

• Must pass a Child Protective Services record check.

• FBI Fingerprinting check.

• Child Protective Services Special Requirements.

• ServSafe Certification

Requirements effective 2005, mandated by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice Standards 6 VAC 35-140-260 - Background Checks on Personnel.

According to Virginia Department of Social Services (effective January 1, 2014) and Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice Standards 6 VAC 35-140-260 (effective 2005), the following background checks may be conducted depending upon the nature of the position: reference check, local, state and national criminal record (fingerprinting), Child Protective Services record, DMV record, and credit history.

HIRING SALARY RANGE:$25.44–$31.44

We also offer great benefits including:

• Retirement from the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• 401a and 457 retirement savings and investment plans
• Paid Annual Leave
• Paid Personal Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Optional Group Medical and Dental Health Plans
• Optional Group Life Insurance
• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Career Development Opportunities

Full-time positions with Prince William County Government qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Click here PSLF for additional information.

NOTE: The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department. To view the class description in its entirety, click here.

Prince William County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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