Food Service Specialist - Lawton, OK

A Lighthouse is needed to help guide the way; to emit a light that helps navigate turbulent times and warn against the possible dangers ahead. Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers is just such a place, guided by its core values of hope, dedication and community.   Working with the integrated treatment team, as a Food Service Specialist you will be involved in handling, preparing, cooking and serving food for regular, modified and special diets including maintaining a clean and sanitary environment for work, preparation and serving areas.

  To meet the increasing needs of our communities it is imperative that all team members understand and successfully reach and maintain the expected performance standard levels. In order to achieve total and sustainable success each person must to do their part. Lighthouse will do its part in providing any and all necessary tools and training required to help team members be successful.   DEFINITION:   Under immediate to general supervision, responsible for a variety of tasks involved in preparing and serving meals including cooking and baking, handling and serving food and maintaining a clean and sanitary work area.

This position reports to the Food Service Supervisor. Qualifications EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:   High school diploma or GED or one to three months of experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Considerable skill in working with people, exercising good judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions. One year of experience in a commercial or institutional food service or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one year of vocational or technical school training in food preparation for the required experience.

  KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:   Ability to work effectively and courteously with people from various cultures and backgrounds, and to exercise good professional judgment. Able to communicate clearly and convey information effectively, orally and written. Knowledge of food preparation techniques, food service operations & proper sanitation practices. Knowledge of basic mathematics and of ingredients used in baking and cooking.

Knowledge of food storage, preparation and cooking including recipe usage, standard weights and measures and calculating and measuring ingredients. Knowledge of operation of kitchen equipment and utensils. Knowledge of methods and materials used in large scale baking, cooking and of sanitary and health standards.   JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   This position is responsible and held accountable for the following duties:   Prepare foods, salads, and desserts; cooks or bakes a variety of items.

Supplies clients with protein as ordered; cuts and prepares proteins for balanced meal service. Cleans and prepares foods using tools such as knives, slicers and peelers and equipment such as ovens and steamers; follows written diet orders. Operates dishwasher; gathers, cleans, stacks and hand washes or scrubs pots, pans, dishes, silverware and other cooking and baking utensils. Removes garbage from kitchen and dining area; sweeps, mops, and scrubs kitchen, dining, and storage areas.

Labels, loads and delivers food carts or trays; picks up trays after use. Defrosts and cleans refrigerators, walk-in coolers and related equipment Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job requirement. Willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position. Must meet agency standards of productivity and fiscal responsibility. Must meet “satisfactory” expectations at any scheduled job performance evaluation, coaching and/or Performance Improvement Plans.

Assessment and appraisal of quality of work will be evaluated through training, skill, chart review or special purpose.   Must complete Lighthouse required training and resulting follow up and consultation as required at hire, annually and