Title VI Food Service Worker

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Title VI Food Service Worker plays an important role in preparing, cooking, and serving nutritious and culturally appropriate meals for older adults participating in Title VI elder programs. This position is dedicated to ensuring food safety, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment, and delivering excellent customer service. The Food Service Worker will adhere to dietary guidelines and program requirements while accommodating diverse dietary needs and cultural preferences. This role also involves effective communication with other staff and addressing feedback to support a positive dining experience for all participants.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in preparing and cooking meals according to established menus and dietary guidelines.
• Follow recipes and portion control standards to ensure meal consistency and quality.
• Serve meals to program participants in a respectful and timely manner.
• Ensure meals are presented attractively and meet all health and safety standards.
• Address special requests or dietary needs of participants as directed by the Nutritionist or Dietitian.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, including regular cleaning of kitchen equipment, utensils, and surfaces.
• Follows all food safety and sanitation procedures as outlined in the Oklahoma State Department of Health-Food Establishment Guidelines.
• Assist with inventory management, including checking food supplies and reporting any shortages to the Head Cook.
• Assist the Head Cook with menu planning that meets the special dietary needs of the elderly and is in compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs).
• Provide excellent service to program participants, addressing any concerns or feedback in a professional manner.
• Communicate effectively with other kitchen staff and program coordinators to ensure smooth operations.
• Complete daily logs and records related to food preparation, service, and inventory management.
• Ensure proper storage of food items to maintain freshness, safety, and compliance with health guidelines.
• Assist in daily cleaning of the kitchen and dining areas, including sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, cleaning tables, sanitizing all food preparation surfaces, and other cleaning duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in meal preparation and cooking, with the ability to follow established recipes and portion control standards to ensure consistent and high-quality meal preparation.
• Cultural and dietary sensitivity, including the capability to prepare special dietary meals that accommodate cultural, health-related, and individual dietary restrictions with respect and understanding.
• Effective meal service skills, ensuring that meals are served in a respectful, timely, and professional manner to provide a positive dining experience for all participants.
• Competence in food presentation, with the ability to present meals attractively while adhering to health and safety standards.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices, including understanding and applying procedures to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with health regulations.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment and manage inventory effectively, such as reporting shortages and managing food supplies.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with kitchen staff, program coordinators, and participants, addressing any concerns or feedback in a professional manner.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adjust to changing needs and address any issues or special requests from participants or staff promptly.
• Team collaboration skills to work effectively with other kitchen staff and program coordinators, ensuring smooth operations and coordination of meal services.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in food service or a related field preferred, with a focus on meal preparation and customer service preferred.
• Experience working with older adults or in culturally sensitive environments preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to perform tasks involving bending, stooping, and reaching.
• Ability to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat and cleaning chemicals.
• Capability to handle repetitive tasks and manual dexterity for food preparation and equipment handling.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Successful completion of applicable tribal drug test.
• Successful completion of applicable tribal background check.
• Must pass background investigation for suitability of character identified in accordance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license with no serious violations.
• All staff working for Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Health Department must have the following vaccinations: Seasonal influenza, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap), Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), and Varicella. Proof of previous vaccinations or a positive titer for these diseases is required.