Down Home Ranch, Inc. Program Specialist – Culinary Skills Elgin, TX · Full time Company website

Apply for Program Specialist – Culinary Skills

From seasonal camp opportunities to vibrant residential and vocational programs, we partner side-by-side with residents (aka "Ranchers"), supporting people with disabilities to live with purpose, work with pride, and thrive in belonging. To learn more about the story behind the mission, our programs and the Ranch community, visit the DHR website at https://www.downhomeranch.org/

KITCHEN INSTRUCTOR

FULL TIME; NON EXEMPT

POSITION SUMMARY

The Kitchen Instructor is a non-exempt hourly full-time food service position located in Vocational, reporting to the Vocational Supervisor. The Instructor oversees and directs all aspects of food preparation for residents in the Supported Independent Living (SIL) program, as well as the lunch program for individuals in the Individualized Skills and Socialization (ISS) program, while supporting individuals with IDD to build job skills in the process. The Instructor supports the mission of Down Home Ranch by ensuring those who are served have access to healthy food options in a manner that aligns with best practice, appropriate law and guidance. The Instructor will join with other staff in a high-level commitment to provide an excellent quality of life for the individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served through Ranch programing.

Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm; schedule and hours will be adjusted according to the needs of Down Home Ranch. Eligible for full time benefits.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential Functions Statement(s)

• Implements the goals of Vocational

• Plans menu and prepares lunch for all ISS attendees and staff 4 days per week – 50 to 70 daily

• Meal Prep breakfast, lunch and dinner for all residents and staff in the SIL program – 12 to 14 daily – using family style and individual portioned meals

• Support job skills training of Ranchers within kitchen, dining hall and delivery of food products to residential homes

• Plans and coordinates resource and supply allocations for Kitchen and special events

• Ensures proper stocking levels and performs all ordering of food and supplies; acts as liaison between the Ranch and suppliers

• Ensures that kitchen, storage areas and dining area is clean, orderly and ready for service

• Follows all standards/practices of safe food handling as outlined by regulations regarding kitchen operations

• Maintains consistent focus upon the rights, well-being, and continual development of individuals being served

• Ability to work with, teach and mentor people with disabilities

• Attends staff meetings, cross functional committees, workshops and trainings

• Performs other duties and responsibilities, as assigned

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum age of 21; excellent driving record and able to pass extensive background investigation

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Works special weekday events and occasional weekends

• Texas Food Handler Certification before starting independent work – must obtain Food Manager Certification within 90 days of employment (paid for by employer)

• Ability to read/write English, basic math skills, ability to read recipes and follow preparation instructions

• Experience in culinary arts, food handling/prep and cook experience in a professional environment

• Experience and comfort with food service ordering programs and culinary kitchen equipment

• Provides excellent customer service

• Comfortable working closely with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other vulnerable populations

• Completes work with a high degree of autonomy

• Ability to bring others together and reconcile differences

• Outstanding interpersonal relationship building

• Detail-oriented, works well under pressure, takes initiative to solve problems, meets deadlines

• Reads and complies with all company policies and procedures, such as in the Down Home Ranch Employee Handbook.

• Maintain confidentiality under requirements of the HIPAA statutes

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to clearly communicate to employees at all levels of the organization

• Team player with strong skills in leadership, training, and delegation of duties

• Ability to lift 50 pounds

• Capable of stooping, kneeling, sitting and bending

• Able to stand for long periods

DHR has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and DHR reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as DHR may deem appropriate.