POSITION SUMMARY:

Fora Health, a Drug & Alcohol rehabilitation facility, is seeking a skilled and compassionate Assistant Food Services Manager to join our team. This role combines kitchen management responsibilities with the unique opportunity to teach cooking classes to our patients as part of their recovery program.

At Fora Health, the Assistant Food Services Manager plays a vital role in not only ensuring smooth kitchen operations but also in empowering our patients with valuable life skills through cooking education. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine culinary expertise with a passion for helping others on their journey to a healthy recovery. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

• Food Preparation and Service: Prepare and cook dishes according to established recipes, nutritional guidelines and safety standards, ensuring consistency in flavor, presentation, and portion sizes. Responsible for assisting the food service staff in all food preparation and cooking activities as appropriate. 
• Staff supervision: Responsible for organizing and delegating work to food service staff, including training and supervising employees and volunteers.
• Proficient in meal preparation and cooking effectively to fill vacant cooking positions and manage staff leave. 
• Inventory Management: Maintains control of inventory by ordering food and kitchen supplies, receiving and inspecting deliveries, and managing storage.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure cleanliness and sanitization in food handling processes to comply with health regulations. Conduct regular inspections to maintain high standards of food quality.
• Menu Planning: Contribute to menu development by forecasting food quantities needed for service and making nutritional substitutions when necessary.
• Customer Service: Address patients and staff inquiries and complaints effectively to enhance customer satisfaction and improve service quality. 
• Teach Cooking classes: Develop and lead engaging cooking classes for patients as part of their recovery program. 
• Participating in Fora Health committees, including Health & Safety, DEI and Supervisor team. 
• Financial Oversight: Assist in reconciling financial reports and managing food budgets. 
• Assumes responsibility for all kitchen operations in the absence of Food Service manager. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in kitchen management or as sous chef
• Culinary degree or Associate of Science degree in Food Science
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Experience in teaching or mentoring preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate attitude and ability to work with individuals in recovery
• Serve Safe certification required
• Basic understanding of addiction and recovery principles 

OTHER SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Culinary expertise and knowledge of various types of specialty diets and diverse cuisines
• Experience with large batch, institutional cooking
• Ability to manage kitchen operations efficiently
• Strong teaching and presentation skills
• Patience and adaptability in working with diverse groups
• Proficiency in kitchen equipment operation and maintenance
• Proficiency in Word and Excel for inventory management and record-keeping for specialty dietary orders
• Ability to select and use USDA-approved nutrient analysis software for menu evaluation and compliance with dietary specifications

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Walking, bending and standing
• Using hands and fingers for manual tasks in food preparation as needed
• Lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds
• Ability to work in high heat environment
• Ability to work flexible hours/days to meet kitchen needs

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• For employees with a history of substance use disorders or identifying as a person in recovery, Fora Health requires a certification of a minimum of six months continuous sobriety.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug test
• Successful completion of Tuberculin test and/or evaluation with negative results or documented evidence of non-communicability
• DHS criminal background approval