Food Service Specialist

Smoky Mountain Children's Home, a faith-based non-profit organization, is seeking a Food Service Specialist at the Sevierville, TN, campus. In this role, you will be in a position to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk youth. You will join a team of dedicated individuals who oversee all aspects of welfare for an assigned group of at-risk youth, and be a key contributor who assists in providing food services to our campus program.

At Smoky Mountain Children's Home, our mission is critical, and our quality of care is only as good as our people. That is why we are committed to excellence in building a talented and diverse team of passionate people who will leave a legacy in the lives of youth for whom they are responsible. Read on and learn more about this exciting opportunity to join our team of child welfare advocates.

Summary

The Food Service Specialist assists the Food Service Lead in acquiring, distributing, and preparing all food needed for the residential program, while ensuring balanced nutrition for all residents.

Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation and Distribution:
  
  
  
  • Assist in the procurement and distribution of food and dietary staples to each cottage and to the ALEC program as needed.
  
  
  • Prepare and provide nutritious snacks for the mid-morning snack break at ALEC.
  
  
  • Support in preparing and distributing food for residents and staff, at the scheduled meal times, and provide individualized meal preparations for youth with special dietary needs or food allergies.
  
  
  • Assist with meal preparation for special programs, such as summer day camp, etc.
  
  
  
  


• Kitchen and Food Safety:
  
  
  
  • Maintain the dining hall and kitchen to ensure they meet Tennessee Health Department and SMCH standards.
  
  
  • Clean and maintain all kitchen and dining hall equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.
  
  
  • Assist with weekly kitchen inspections in the cottages, focusing on hygiene, food safety, and proper food storage.
  
  
  
  


• Support and Training:
  
  
  
  • Assist the Food Service Lead in preparing and providing recipe cards for new dishes.
  
  
  • Support basic cooking and food handling training for inexperienced direct care staff.
  
  
  • Help supervise the operation of the Token Rewards Store.
  
  
  
  


• General Duties:
  
  
  
  • Perform other duties, as needed and as requested by the Food Service Lead or Residential Director.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Education and Experience:
  
  
  
  • High school diploma or equivalency is required.
  
  
  • Formal training and/or experience in the culinary or food service field is preferred.
  
  
  
  


• Skills:
  
  
  
  • Excellent time management, organizational, and accuracy skills.
  
  
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  
  
  • Proficiency in computer skills, including word processing and email.
  
  
  
  


• Physical Requirements:
  
  
  
  • Ability to lift and transport heavy items, with a minimum lifting capacity of 50 lbs.
  
  
  • Comfortable standing for extended periods (75% of the day) and working in both indoor (75%) and outdoor (25%) environments.
  
  
  
  

What's in it for you?

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:


• *Free housing/utilities/wi-fi/cable as available, or a $1000 monthly stipend.


• 100% paid medical insurance and free life insurance policy,
  or a $600 monthly stipend.


• Paid personal days


• Paid sick leave


• Paid vacation


• Employee referral bonuses


• Foster Parent referral bonuses


• Optional insurance plans


• Retirement plan


• Meals provided while on duty

Salary

$28,000 per year, with a $600/year pay increase after a 90-day probationary period (with a favorable performance evaluation).

Why Smoky Mountain Children's Home?

For more than 100 years, Smoky Mountain Children's Home has been meeting the needs of at-risk youth. We provide exceptional care for at-risk children and teens through our Residential, Foster Care, and Adoption programs. Through family counseling, individual therapy, educational opportunities, and structured group living, the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home provides a continuum of care tailored to each resident's needs. Creating a safe and supportive environment allows residents to discover their talents and build on their strengths. This is accomplished by the excellent care of a trained staff and provides each resident the opportunity to overcome the circumstances of their past, while exploring a world of opportunity for their future.

*Smoky Mountain Children's Home does not provide any form of sponsorship to applicants not authorized to work in the US.

* Employee may be wait-listed until adequate housing accommodations are available. Cannot accommodate families in need of more than 3 bedrooms. Pets are not allowed, but emotional support animals are allowed with a physician's note.

Smoky Mountain Children's Home is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.