About

• Description
• The Head Chef at CLEARFORK ACADEMY is responsible for all kitchen functions including food purchasing, preparation, maintenance of quality standards, sanitation, and cleanliness. Leads, manages, and holds accountable employees in methods of cooking, preparation, plate presentation, portion, and cost control. Ensures proper sanitation and cleanliness of the facilities and conducts regular checks and services on kitchen equipment. Ensures kitchen area is in compliance with all state, federal, and Joint Commission regulatory guidance. Facilitates a weekly schedule of all meals, to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for clients in a residential treatment facility, in accordance with dietary guidelines.
• Prepares or directs preparation of food served using established production procedures and systems.

• Leads, manages, and holds accountable all kitchen staff.

• Determines amount and type of food and supplies based on client population and dietary restrictions/needs.

• Ensures availability of supplies and food, or approved substitutions, with adequate time for preparation.

• Ensures proper serving of food for clients, to include following proper sanitation guidelines.

• Complies with established sanitation standards, personal hygiene, and health standards.

• Observes proper food preparation and handling techniques.

• Stores food properly and safely, marking the date and item, and ensuring proper temperature control.

• Reports necessary equipment needs, repairs, and maintenance to supervisor.

• Correctly prepares all food served following standard recipes and special diet orders, to include food allergies specific to individual clients.

• Plans food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature, and appearance of food are preserved.

• Apportions food for serving.

• Keeps kitchen area neat and clean at all times; cleans and maintains equipment used in food preparation.

• Completes food temperature checks before serving.

• Keeps track of multiple elements including: food standards and inventories, costs, safety, client satisfaction, health standards, etc.

• Leads and directs Residential Services staff to maintain organization in the kitchen during food service times.

• Maintains and enforces work schedules, shopping lists, cleaning schedules, etc.

• Uses creative problem solving to address issues including employee conflict, task delegation, unsatisfied clients, dietary restrictions, and changing population numbers.

• Communicates standards and expectations to staff of the kitchen. Trains Residential Services staff in proper food handling techniques and processes.

• Teaches dietary needs and cooking as a part of Clearfork Academy’s life skills curriculum.

• Other duties and tasks as assigned.
• Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience Required

• High School Diploma (required).

• 2 to 5 years management experience in a related food service position (preferred).

• Current CPR/FA certification

• Current Handle with Care Physical Holding Certification

• Current Food Handler and Safeserve certification (required)

• Must possess a valid Class C Texas Driver’s License

• REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of industry standards as related to the position of healthcare facility cook.

• Professional readiness: Issues related to self-awareness, diversity, ethics, and continuing education.

• Knowledge of PC and Mac software programs, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel is required.

• Written and oral communication skills; must be able to concentrate on work amid distractions such as noise, conversations, and foot traffic.

• Must maintain self-control in volatile or hostile situations such as when verbally or physically confronted in an aggressive manner.

• Must be able to work independently with little direct supervision in an unstructured environment with multiple demands

• Ability to represent the program well in interactions both inside and outside the facility.

• Demonstrates an understanding of the developmental milestones of adolescents and young adults.