What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dietary and Environmental Services Specialist position at Opportunity Council?
DETAILED SUMMARY:
Waystation Recuperative Respite Program (Waystation) is a respite emergency shelter for patients discharged directly from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC) that are experiencing literal homelessness and need recuperative respite placement prior to returning to their current living arrangements. Waystation provides services to individuals with an emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.
The dietary and Environmental Services Specialist is responsible for a variety of tasks within Waystation relating to meal service, proper food storage, inventory, and kitchen and facility sanitization and cleanliness.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILTIES:
1. Interacts with residents in the facility regarding nutritional needs and encourages healthy eating, as set forth by PSJMC Medical Provider and
Discharge Staff, promotes cleanliness in common/food area, and supports client agency for all self-serve food/beverage items.
2. Maintains cleaning and sterilization duties during each shift, with an emphasis on weekly and monthly deep cleaning for kitchen area.
3. Ensures organization of kitchen and all supplies, timely ordering of food and other supplies related to the Waystation Kitchen.
4. Promptly and regularly records temperatures for pre-packaged meals delivered on-site to ensure food safety guidelines are met.
5. Ensures proper storage of cold foods/beverages, dried/preserved foods/beverages, appropriately labels items, and tracks inventory delivered/removed
for food safety.
6. Completes inventory and tracking related to food stocking, food expiration dates, and monitoring of food temperatures.
7. Participates in cleaning of all common/food areas, restrooms, carousels, partner-provider areas, and completes other cleaning tasks as assigned.
Including emptying and sanitizing garbage cans.
8. Regularly stocks paper products in common/food area and other areas of Waystation.
9. Works cooperatively with Waystation Team to ensure timely scheduled cleaning and sanitization of all bathrooms and client carousels when turning them over.
This includes sweeping, moping, sanitizing handles/surfaces, and restocking products as needed.
10. Assists with other facility functions as assigned, which can include but is not limited to providing extra support to clients and fellow staff.
11. Provides quality engagement to promote dignity and respect to everyone at Waystation.
BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY:
Specialize in providing services to clients and families who speak a language other than English as a primary language. May occasionally be asked to support with translating/interpreting a language other than English to assist potential or current clients.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
2. Completes special projects and other related duties as assigned.
3. Continuously abides by all safety policies and procedures at Waystation.
4. Remains current with all available resources in Whatcom County.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Minimum two-years experience in Human Services, Home Care, Assisted Living, Adult Family Home, Skilled Nursing Facility, Medical Assistant Duties,
or Homeless Shelter settings;
2. Minimum two-years experience in housekeeping, janitorial or commercial kitchens.
3. Preferred experience with the challenges related to homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency.
4. Preferred prior experience with comprehending and following hospital discharge orders/client needs.
5. Preferred Spanish/English bi-lingual skills.
6. If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
7. Valid Washington State Driver’s License by time of hire and good driving abstract (submitted upon request) with ability to maintain insurability
through Opportunity Council’s insurance provider during length of employment.
8. Have (or obtain at time of hire) and maintain current Washington Food Handler’s Permit during length of employment.
9. Current First Aid card and CPR training (or obtain within 30 days) and must maintain current certificates for length of employment.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Decision-making skills and ability to creatively problem solve using sound judgment.
2. Demonstrated ability to provide confidential services effectively and respectfully to diverse, low-income populations, including individuals
and families in crisis situations.
3. Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, frequent squatting, kneeling, bending, reaching, repetitive movements, writing/typing, and ability
to lift/move >40 lbs.
4. Remains calm and respectful during client emergencies and crises and possesses strong communication skills.
5. Time management skills including the ability to work independently and prioritize with frequent interruptions.
6. Record keeping skills ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date and accurate notes, and proper maintenance of client files, including the use
of multiple databases.
7. Experience coordinating with other professionals and social service agencies with proper Releases of Information (ROI) in place.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations. Travel also includes attending local and statewide level meetings. Majority of work centers on client services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness and respect for clients from a diversity of economic and ethnic backgrounds. All job duties are completed while following current Opportunity Council COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Waystation Recuperative Respite Program (Waystation) is a respite emergency shelter for patients discharged directly from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center (PSJMC) that are experiencing literal homelessness and need recuperative respite placement prior to returning to their current living arrangements. Waystation provides services to individuals with an emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders.
The dietary and Environmental Services Specialist is responsible for a variety of tasks within Waystation relating to meal service, proper food storage, inventory, and kitchen and facility sanitization and cleanliness.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILTIES:
1. Interacts with residents in the facility regarding nutritional needs and encourages healthy eating, as set forth by PSJMC Medical Provider and
Discharge Staff, promotes cleanliness in common/food area, and supports client agency for all self-serve food/beverage items.
2. Maintains cleaning and sterilization duties during each shift, with an emphasis on weekly and monthly deep cleaning for kitchen area.
3. Ensures organization of kitchen and all supplies, timely ordering of food and other supplies related to the Waystation Kitchen.
4. Promptly and regularly records temperatures for pre-packaged meals delivered on-site to ensure food safety guidelines are met.
5. Ensures proper storage of cold foods/beverages, dried/preserved foods/beverages, appropriately labels items, and tracks inventory delivered/removed
for food safety.
6. Completes inventory and tracking related to food stocking, food expiration dates, and monitoring of food temperatures.
7. Participates in cleaning of all common/food areas, restrooms, carousels, partner-provider areas, and completes other cleaning tasks as assigned.
Including emptying and sanitizing garbage cans.
8. Regularly stocks paper products in common/food area and other areas of Waystation.
9. Works cooperatively with Waystation Team to ensure timely scheduled cleaning and sanitization of all bathrooms and client carousels when turning them over.
This includes sweeping, moping, sanitizing handles/surfaces, and restocking products as needed.
10. Assists with other facility functions as assigned, which can include but is not limited to providing extra support to clients and fellow staff.
11. Provides quality engagement to promote dignity and respect to everyone at Waystation.
BILINGUAL POSITIONS ONLY:
Specialize in providing services to clients and families who speak a language other than English as a primary language. May occasionally be asked to support with translating/interpreting a language other than English to assist potential or current clients.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.
2. Completes special projects and other related duties as assigned.
3. Continuously abides by all safety policies and procedures at Waystation.
4. Remains current with all available resources in Whatcom County.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Minimum two-years experience in Human Services, Home Care, Assisted Living, Adult Family Home, Skilled Nursing Facility, Medical Assistant Duties,
or Homeless Shelter settings;
2. Minimum two-years experience in housekeeping, janitorial or commercial kitchens.
3. Preferred experience with the challenges related to homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency.
4. Preferred prior experience with comprehending and following hospital discharge orders/client needs.
5. Preferred Spanish/English bi-lingual skills.
6. If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
7. Valid Washington State Driver’s License by time of hire and good driving abstract (submitted upon request) with ability to maintain insurability
through Opportunity Council’s insurance provider during length of employment.
8. Have (or obtain at time of hire) and maintain current Washington Food Handler’s Permit during length of employment.
9. Current First Aid card and CPR training (or obtain within 30 days) and must maintain current certificates for length of employment.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Decision-making skills and ability to creatively problem solve using sound judgment.
2. Demonstrated ability to provide confidential services effectively and respectfully to diverse, low-income populations, including individuals
and families in crisis situations.
3. Ability to stand for long periods of time, sit, frequent squatting, kneeling, bending, reaching, repetitive movements, writing/typing, and ability
to lift/move >40 lbs.
4. Remains calm and respectful during client emergencies and crises and possesses strong communication skills.
5. Time management skills including the ability to work independently and prioritize with frequent interruptions.
6. Record keeping skills ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date and accurate notes, and proper maintenance of client files, including the use
of multiple databases.
7. Experience coordinating with other professionals and social service agencies with proper Releases of Information (ROI) in place.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations. Travel also includes attending local and statewide level meetings. Majority of work centers on client services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness and respect for clients from a diversity of economic and ethnic backgrounds. All job duties are completed while following current Opportunity Council COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Benefits@Opportunity Council
Opportunity Council offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for Critical Illness coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan (5% employer contribution)
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care and personal legal services
Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. For over 50 years we have offered a broad scope of services that range from addressing immediate and crisis-oriented needs (food, emergency shelter, eviction-prevention) to longer-term programs that promote self-sufficiency in our community (early childhood education, home weatherization). For more details, please visit our website at https://www.oppco.org.
