Kitchen Specialist (Full-Time)

Description

Job Posting: Kitchen Specialist

**Two positions available

Salary Base: $15.00 per hour, based on experience

Hours: Full-Time
Posting Date: April 22, 2025
Best Consideration Date: April 30, 2025
Estimated Offer Date: May 13, 2025
Estimated Start Date: May 19, 2025
Location: Marion, Indiana

Who We Are:

Carey Services is a community-based organization which receives strong support from a broad cross-section of individuals, families, businesses, and charitable interests. Supports and services are determined through person-centered planning, whereby individuals and their families direct the planning and allocation of resources to meet their own individual life goals. We believe in creating inclusive communities where everyone is valued, respected, and able to contribute.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a flexible and motivated Kitchen Specialist to support the daily operations of Carey Services’ foodservice business units, which also serve as a dynamic training kitchen. In this role, you will provide leadership in kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflows and high standards of quality, safety, and customer service. You will train and mentor staff, fostering a positive, inclusive work environment while helping to implement policies and manage inventory. As a key member of the team, you will collaborate with the Foodservice Business Manager to drive operational efficiency, contribute to sales strategies, and engage with the community. You will also play a vital role in supporting the growth and success of Carey Services’ foodservice initiatives, all while upholding the mission of "Turning abilities into opportunities."

Ideal Experience, Background & Skills:

· Experience in culinary roles with a strong understanding of kitchen operations, food preparation techniques, and staff management.

· Proven ability to train, mentor, and develop staff, fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team environment.

· Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices, with the ability to obtain ServSafe Food Manager Certification upon hire.

· Familiarity with inventory management, cost control, and fiscal responsibility in a kitchen or foodservice environment.

· Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.

· Understanding of customer service principles and the ability to lead by example in delivering exceptional service.

· Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, with a flexible approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

· Innovative thinking and entrepreneurial mindset to support menu development, sales strategies, and overall business growth.

As a Foodservice Business Manager, you'll spend your days:

· Overseeing and Managing Kitchen Operations: Lead and support the daily operations of all foodservice business units of Carey Services, ensuring smooth workflow, efficient resource utilization, and proper staffing while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and quality standards.

· Staff Training and Development: Facilitate hands-on training for kitchen staff, focusing on culinary techniques, food safety, and customer service, while fostering continuous learning and professional growth.

· Building Inclusive Teams: Recruit, train, and manage a diverse kitchen staff, cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment that aligns with Carey Services’ values and mission.

· Supporting Sales Strategies: Collaborate with the Foodservice Business Manager to develop and implement sales and marketing initiatives that drive business growth and customer engagement.

· Cultivating Community Connections: Build and maintain relationships with local businesses, organizations, and customers, working to expand awareness and promote the foodservice business units as an integral part of the community.

· Championing Inclusivity: Advocate for the value and impact of employing individuals with disabilities within the foodservice industry, promoting inclusive employment practices and opportunities for career growth.

· Collaborating on Vocational Training: Partner with internal teams, such as the eMPower Academy Manager and Employment Services staff, to design and deliver vocational training that prepares individuals for success in business and community-based employment opportunities, while also exploring external culinary and foodservice training opportunities.

Why Work With Us:

• Purpose-Driven Work: Join a team passionate about making a tangible impact in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement.
• Inclusive Environment: Be part of a supportive, community-centered workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and retirement plan offerings.

TIMELINE FOR HIRING

• Application and Initial Review Period: April 22, 2025 – May 2, 2025
• Phone Assessments Conducted:  April 28, 2025 – May 5, 2025
• Panel Interviews Conducted: May 6, 2025 – May 12, 2025
• Estimated Offer Date:  May 13, 2025
• Estimated Start Date: May 19, 2025

Estimated Start Date: March 24, 2025

Requirements

Position Requirements:

· Experience: Proven experience in a culinary role, with a strong understanding of kitchen operations and food preparation techniques. A degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or a related field is preferred, but equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

· Certification: ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or the ability to obtain it upon hire).

· Schedule: Flexibility to work varied hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed. Participation in an on-call rotation may be required.

· Compliance: Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices, with the ability to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal food safety and business regulations.

· Skills: Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. Ability to train, mentor, and inspire a diverse team while fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

· Additional Things You'll Learn on the Job: De-escalation techniques and First Aid training

Physical Demands

A. Must be able to sit, walk, bend, stoop, or stand for long periods of time.

B. Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds consistently.

C. Must be able to wear all required personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to gloves, masks, gowns, face shields, shoes, ear plugs, etc.

D. Must be able to follow all required safe and universal precaution practices during a pandemic and as required otherwise.

Salary : $15