Senior Food Services Assistant - Dietary - VCMC

Under general supervision, performs difficult tasks related to the preparation, service, and delivery of food to clients, patients, staff, large groups, and visitors at a Ventura County facility. Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of utensils, equipment, and work area. Leads and trains lower-level Food Services Assistants.

Incumbents may be eligible for an educational incentive of 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% based on completion of an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree that is not required for the classification. Bilingual incentive may also be available depending on operational need and certification of skill.

This position is represented by the Services Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation. The eligible list will be used to fill current and future vacancies at the Ventura County Medical Center.

Responsibilities

• Plans, prepares, apportions, delivers, and serves meals involving chopping, slicing, mixing, grating, and assembling food items according to standardized recipes, directions, and proper food handling guidelines.
• Stores and inventories food, supplies, and materials per Department and State regulations.
• Sanitizes all equipment, utensils, appliances, and facilities; cleans dishes, trays, pots, pans, kitchen equipment, and food preparation areas.
• Operates a variety of kitchen equipment including stand mixer, tilt braiser, tilt steam kettle, electric slicer, steam cabinet, industrial dishwasher, oven, and others.
• May operate a cash register and count and collect money.
• May read, interpret, and complete documents such as medical dietary orders, meal count forms, and logs.
• Provides transportation and delivery of food in emergencies.
• May provide lead supervision over other food services staff.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• At least one (1) year of large-scale (100+ customers per day) food preparation and service experience. Experience must reflect food preparation for large gatherings such as school or hospital cafeteria, cruise line, military, stadium, and/or large banquets. Short order cooking and fast food experience do not qualify.
• Must be able to read and write in English and understand and follow oral and written instructions in English.

Skills

• Working knowledge of:
  • Needs and requirements of various populations (age groups, special diets, behavioral patterns, etc.).
  • Methods and procedures for preparing and serving food in large quantities.
  • Sanitation and safety practices and regulations related to handling and serving food in large quantities.
  • Inventory methods and proper food rotation and storage.
  • Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Proper lifting techniques.
  • Basic math and record-keeping techniques.
  • Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Working ability to:
  • Learn the physical arrangements and food service routine in a short period of time.
  • Follow, adjust, and extend recipes.
  • Prepare, cook, and serve food in accordance with health and sanitation regulations.
  • Maintain nutrition service equipment and areas in a clean and sanitary condition.
  • Adhere to food service and sanitation rules.
  • Observe and follow health and safety regulations.
  • Operate large kitchen equipment and machinery safely.
  • Lift, carry, push, and pull heavy objects.
  • Stand for long periods of time.
  • Maintain a neat and clean personal appearance.
  • Communicate effectively in an oral and written manner.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
  • Maintain a variety of records related to assigned activities.
  • Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.