Assistant Chef-Per Diem: REGIONS Site Secure Residential Treatment Program

Responsibilities

• Assist Chef in planning and preparing approximately 200 healthy and home-like meals daily.
• As requested, assist with inventory and preparing food orders.
• Follow dietary guidelines as determined by licensed dietician.
• Maintain sanitation in accordance with agency specifications and the Health Department.
• Monitor Fire Safety Standards in accordance with local and state law.
• Provide vocational training to youth on food service and safe food handling procedures.
• Comply with all program policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain professional boundaries with all staff and youth.
• Serve as a role model to youth and staff modeling pro-social behavior.
• As necessary, utilize approved verbal and/or physical de-escalation techniques to eliminate youth's harm to self, harm to others, significant property/program destruction and escape, maintaining communication with necessary parties.
• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, mutual support and belonging, working to eliminate any unconscious bias or discrimination in our beliefs, rules and systems.
• Participate in all required training, including Safe Crisis Management.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED.
• At least one year of experience with food ordering and meal preparation in a group setting.
• Possess a clear understanding of the State of Connecticut's food service regulations and experience in meeting all Department of Health regulations.
• Must be a certified Qualified Food Operator or able to qualify, and able to instruct all staff in food preparation.
• Capacity to provide vocational training to program youth.
• Ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; decision making, communication, interpersonal and organizational/ prioritization skills.
• Adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness and emotional intelligence.
• Must share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity to succeed.
• Must have and maintain a valid CT driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Training Requirements And Work Environment Conditions

• Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a mandatory 120-hour training curriculum within their first year of employment.
• Training sessions will be conducted during standard hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
• Thereafter, employees must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training annually.
• Required trainings will include, but are not limited to: Ethics and Boundaries, Suicide Prevention, First Aid / CPR / AED, Safe Crisis Management, PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act), DCF Mandated Reporting, Additional trainings relevant to assigned job functions.
• The training program includes Safe Crisis Management, which involves both verbal de-escalation techniques and physical restraint methods used to maintain the safety of both youth and staff during crisis situations.

Work Environment

• Candidates should be aware that the position may involve exposure to assaultive or abusive behavior from youth, and there is a potential risk of injury.
• Exposure to communicable diseases is also possible due to the nature of the work.