Food Service Technician - Shift Lead

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference and you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of South Carolina's youth, consider joining the dedicated people of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

About the Role

It is the mission of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to impact and transform young lives, strengthen families, and support safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

Under general supervision, this position performs duties in food services, serving as the shift lead for the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Responsibilities include assisting the food service manager in the overall operation of the kitchen, satellite service locations, food preparation, cooking, serving, and delivering meals to the facilities. Ensures assigned areas are clean according to the guidelines and standards set by the Department of Agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Supervises, instructs, and trains new employees, temporary employees, and inmate labor on nutritionally balanced meals in accordance with approved menus, portion standards, and state and federal dietary guidelines for youth.
• Monitors and verifies productivity output.
• Teaches and demonstrates correct techniques of food preparation for maximum palatability, appearance, and minimum waste.
• Oversees the safe usage of mixers, slicers, can openers, ovens, and steamers.
• Ensures all kitchen tools, utensils, and equipment are cleaned, inventoried, controlled, and secured before, during, and after each shift.
• Prepares food service production reports, usage reports, and inventory forms on a weekly basis.
• Verifies that production records are complete and accurate according to Department of Education/USDA standards on a daily basis.
• Supervises the receiving, storage, and rotation of weekly food deliveries.
• Oversees the distribution of meals and storage of food items and supplies.
• Estimates quantities of food and non-food items needed to meet menu requirements.
• Assists the food service manager to ensure accurate and timely food production and service.
• Inspects all areas of the kitchen to ensure that equipment and building maintenance issues are addressed in a timely fashion.
• Supervises and monitors adult and youth inmates working in food service areas to ensure compliance with work assignments, safety rules, and sanitation standards.
• Recommends or implements activities to motivate employees and confers with management and subordinates to resolve employee problems, complaints, and grievances.
• Addresses inmate behavior issues promptly and reports disciplinary, safety, or security concerns to the food services manager.
• Determines the need for substitutions to maintain meal compliance.
• Inspects and samples prepared foods for accuracy of recipe directions as well as correcting or adjusting flavors to ensure maximum palatability.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

State Minimum Requirements: Related food service experience.

• Knowledge of receiving, storage, preparation, and service of various food products.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of food service materials and appliances used in a kitchen/bakery.
• Knowledge of sanitary and safety procedures pertaining to kitchen operation and/or general food preparation and service.
• Ability to teach food preparation and cooking.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of food service personnel.
• Ability to maintain food service records and prepare written and digital reports.
• General knowledge and skill level with Microsoft Office products.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Must possess a valid SC driver's license and complete the agency's defensive driving course with a passing score.
• Provides excellent customer service and continually assesses performance based on customer feedback.

Essential Position: This position performs job duties relating to the custody, control, transportation, or recapture of youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the employee may have direct and indirect contact with youth within the jurisdiction of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Training applicable to these duties will be provided.

• Must be able to work rotating weekends and state holidays.
• Must be able to work first and second shifts if necessary.
• Required to travel for work and training throughout the state.
• Exposed to hazardous equipment, extreme heat, and freezing temperatures.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Agency Requirements: A high school diploma and two years of experience in quantity and quality cooking and baking.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and life insurance
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
• 15 days of sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs
• Discount Programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave

Sign-on bonuses may be offered for critical needs jobs at the beginning of employment with the agency.