Employment Opportunity

The Independence Center has provided psychosocial rehabilitation, group and individual therapy, case management, vocational, and crisis services to adults with chronic mental health needs in Lake County for over 30 years. Employees of the Center are champions in supporting our individuals as they progress toward achieving and maintaining healthier lifestyles and managing the cyclical nature of their diagnosis.

As a small, private agency, we provide a work environment that encourages autonomy, fresh ideas, creativity, teamwork, and growth through continual development and training opportunities. Our staff strive to positively impact the lives of the community we serve through a unique and whole person-centered approach to treatment. Our staff enjoys a flexible, friendly, and casual-dress workplace. If you want to work with a purpose and make a difference in someone's life, a career at the Center could be the rewarding professional experience you have been seeking.

We currently are interviewing qualified candidates for the following opening:

Food Service manager

The Foodservice manager is responsible for providing quality food preparation for breakfast and lunch of approximately 75 individuals a day. The ability to comply with all public health requirements, including wearing a mask, is required. The Foodservice manager must possess general knowledge of and demonstrate proficiency in various food preparation techniques, menu planning, serving methods, portion control standards, and general nutritional requirements for adults. The position will be working in a kitchen environment, rotating between the front and back of foodservice. The position requires walking, bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, and pulling to handle or move objects weighing up to 50lbs. Individuals must have the ability to stand and walk for an entire shift and move safely through all building areas, including stairs and uneven or slick surfaces. You will also be asked to operate hand-held appliances and simple kitchen equipment (industrial can opener, dough press, industrial dishwasher, etc.). The majority of duties are performed indoors, but occasionally duties may be performed outdoors(depending on events), including cookouts.

Essential Job Functions

• The position oversees breakfast and lunch for quality assurance meal presentation and portion control. Ensuring all special dietary needs are met.
• Ensure that food comes out simultaneously, in high quality, and in a timely fashion
• Ordering / Purchasing
• Prepares and builds food items according to standardized recipes and directions.
• Bakes, roasts, broils, steams, and various cooking methods on meat, vegetables, and other foods.
• Responsible for setting up work stations, including prep tables, service counters, hot wells, beverage dispensers, steam tables, etc.
• Safely operates and utilizes various utensils, including knives, equipment such as ovens, stoves, slicers, mixers, etc.
• Breaks down cleans and sanitizes work stations
• Clean tableware. Clean and sanitize work areas, equipment, etc
• Wash dishes, glassware, flatware, pots, or pans, using dishwashers or by hand.
• Menu planning. Plan and implement nutritious meals.
• Replenishes food items and ensure the product is stocked to appropriate levels
• Team members must maintain excellent customer service and a positive attitude towards guests, members, coworkers, etc.
• Properly stores food by adhering to food safety policies and procedures. Storing food in designated containers and storage area

The Independence Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination in all phases of employment based on an individual's race, color, sex, age, pregnancy, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, and any other classifications protected by federal state and local law.

• A high school diploma or GED accepted
• Must be able to pass a State of Illinois background check
• Prior food prep or cooking experience
• Knowledge of basic math skills
• Possess a valid food handler's card or ServSafe certification or able to participate in the food services sanitation training to become ServSafe certified

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous food prep in a health care setting

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