Food Program Specialist - Van Buren

Are you passionate about helping children succeed? Do you want to join a team of dedicated professionals committed to creating an environment where children thrive? At Pediatrics Plus, we work to empower children to conquer their world. Pediatrics Plus is a specialized pediatric healthcare provider. We are committed to helping children succeed in all stages of life through evidence-based therapy and education, developmental preschool, diagnostic services, state-of-the-art facilities, specialized equipment, family support, and community investment. We are looking for an individual who is eager to serve children as the Food Program Specialist.

What we offer:

• Competitive Pay

• Paid Time Off

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

• Retirement Plan with Company Matching

What you will do:
This role is responsible for administering the USDA Food Program for the respective developmental preschool center, which includes planning and preparation of daily meals and snacks.

• Prepare breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack daily.

• Ensure that each meal/snack meets USDA requirements regarding substance and serving sizes.

• Ensure meal delivery to each classroom at designated times.

• Complete all USDA paperwork with accuracy and timeliness, as required.

• Ensure all dishes and/or utensils are washed after each use per guidelines.

• Ensure that kitchen workspace, appliances, and storage areas are kept neat and clean.

• Ensure that accurate temperature logs are kept daily on all refrigerators and freezers containing food for children and temperature logs are kept for transported food as needed.

• Complete food and supply orders as needed.

• Ensure that all food is labeled with a date before storing.

• Wear food service shoes while in the kitchen workspace.

• Maintain an inventory of all stocked food and supplies.

• Ensure that gloves are worn during any food preparation.

• Ensure confidentiality of children and employee information.

• Respond to internal and external requests for information according to center policy.

• Attend Multidisciplinary conferences, as needed.

• Assist in classrooms as required by preschool needs.

• Ensure meals meet allergy and special requirements for each child as indicated by the doctor’s orders.

• Complete required training for USDA, food service, and preschool minimum licensing.

What you have:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people.

• Must be able to work with children birth to age 21 and families who are at risk.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a very busy environment.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policies, and other company documents.

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

• Ability to author routine reports and correspondence.

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations.

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.

• Reports for work dressed appropriately and complies with company policies regarding dress code.

• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Prefer at least one year of kitchen/nutritional/food preparation experience.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to accurately communicate information and ideas so others will understand through sight and hearing. The employee is regularly required to move including walking, running, jumping, and sitting. The employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, lift, reach, and feel. The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, twist, bend, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include near and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.