Temporary Food Services Specialist

If you are looking for employment with a purpose where you can help improve the daily lives of the members of your community, then consider a career with Pioneer Human Services! We are currently looking for a Temporary Food Service Specialist with a passion for human services. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with an organization focused on a transformative path towards social change, creating pathways for rehabilitation, reintegration, and redemption.

About the role

We empower justice-involved individuals to overcome adversity and reach their full potential. For over 60 years, we have proudly serviced our clients with professionalism and empathy. We are a nationally recognized non-profit with 35+ locations across Washington state that provided a chance for change to over 9,500 individuals in 2024.

The primary responsibility of the Food Service Specialist is to prepare and serve pre-made meals for the residents and staff of Pioneer residential programs, in accordance with all Health and Safety regulations. As a member of the Pioneer team, the Food Service Specialist is expected to collaborate with other staff and community partners to promote a pro-social and supportive program climate that encourages the development of independent living skills. The Food Service Specialist is encouraged to make recommendations to improve operational policies and procedures consistent with program goals and the Pioneer mission.

Responsibilities

• Check in all food service related deliveries
• Store food according to accepted health and safety codes
• Ensure all towels are properly stored, and laundered (program applicable)
• Purchase and provide snacks to clients (program applicable)
• Complete all proper food service related documentation
• Maintain the kitchen and food storage areas in accordance with all health and safety regulations
• Store and serve food at the proper temperature
• Maintain sanitary personal hygiene while working (i.e., washes hands, pulls hair back, wears hairnet, and doesn’t come to work when sick)
• Wash and sanitize dishes and pans as needed
• Able to access safely all shelves, counters and food storage areas of the kitchen
• Leave the kitchen in a clean and orderly state. This includes cleaning the grill, wiping down all surfaces, storing food away, cleaning the sinks, sweeping and mopping
• Assure no unauthorized person enters the food preparation area
• Prepare pre-made meals in accordance with the posted menu and serve food in the portions stated on the menu
• Lift food trays into the warmer
• Make and store late plates for residents working late (program applicable)
• Fill juice, coffee machines, napkin dispensers, and assure that there are plenty of utensils and condiments set out
• Assure plenty of bread, cereals, fruit, peanut butter, butter and jelly are available for breakfasts and brunch
• Serve food to residents as directed
• Ensure all meal components are prepped before meal time and ready to serve in a timely manner
• Ensure all meal components that need reheating are started in a timely manner
• Assess, evaluate and, if necessary, report internal and external facility conditions for safety, sanitation and security concerns
• Provide a healthy environment, which includes the maintenance of the appearance of the dining area for residents
• Request maintenance and household supplies in accordance with procedure (program applicable)
• Store all foods in a safe manner in compliance with health department guidelines
• Clean all food service equipment: Roasters, refrigerators and all other equipment used
• Identify and list all items needed for ordering and submit the order to the appropriate staff
• Make staff aware of any shortages or problems in the kitchen
• Fill out the Temperature Tracking Sheet and Late Plate Tracking Sheet each day
• Engage in clear, consistent, and professional communication with all residents, program staff, service providers and community members
• Promote and model teamwork and collaboration with co-workers
• Communicate any and all information concerning problematic resident behavior/interactions to the Resident Monitor II or program administrator on shift (program applicable)
• Attend scheduled staff meetings, program meetings as appropriate or upon request and complete required trainings
• Maintain proper financial documentation of food purchases and supply orders (program applicable)
• Responsible for furthering knowledge through participation in in-service training, seeking dietary consultation, and engaging in an active supervisory process
• Interpret and explain program and/or unit food service policy and procedure to each resident as needed
• Aid in the educational process--academic, social, and nutritional

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Washington State driver's license
• Valid food handlers card (must have within 2 days of hire)
• Able to read, write and communicate in English

Qualifications (preferred)

• One-year cooking experience
• One-year experience working in residential facility
• Course work, experience, or training in human development, chemical dependency, group dynamics, residential treatment or related disciplines

Pay

New hires for this position typically start between $17.30 and $21.28 hourly, depending on factors such as work location, experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, internal equity, and market conditions. While the full pay range is provided to support pay transparency, individual compensation will vary within the range based on these factors.

Benefits

Eligible after 30 days of full-time employment (minimum of 30 hours/week):

• Medical
• Flexible spending
• Dental
• Vision

Additional Coverage After 60 Days:

• Life
• AD&D
• Disability

Other Benefits:

• Dependent Daycare Flexible Spending
• Tuition assistance (100% for bachelor's, 50% for graduate programs)
• Retirement plan (3.5% annual compensation contribution, plus 3.5% match for 6% individual contribution)
• Employee recognition programs
• Public transportation discount
• Employee assistance program (EAP)