Food Services Specialist

Title: Food Services Specialist

Classification: Full-time, hourly, non-exempt

Salary: $17.00 - $18.00 hourly, commensurate with experience

Schedule:

• Saturday-Wednesday 11:00am-7:00pm, flexibility required
• Participation in on-call duties outside of standard working hours to address urgent issues, emergencies, and to provide necessary support is required
• Attendance of mandatory staff meetings and training

Reports To: Food Services Manager

Supervises: None

Benefits Include:

• Health, dental, and vision benefits (80% employer paid health coverage; effective the 1st of the month after hire date)
• Basic life/AD&D insurance (100% employer paid)
• Paid time off for illness and vacation (accrued immediately upon hire)
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Assistance Program (100% employer paid)
• Employee referral program ($50 bonus after 30-days of full-time employment and $100

bonus after 6-months of full-time employment)

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate's or bachelor's degree preferred

Required Qualifications:

• Prior experience in food service, hospitality, or a related field
• Familiarity with food safety and sanitation guidelines
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate meal service schedules

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in settings with vulnerable adults or marginalized populations which may include individuals that are: experiencing homelessness, economically disadvantaged, racial and/or ethnic minorities, elderly, living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), affected by physical disabilities, intellectual/developmental disabilities or other chronic health conditions including severe mental illness and substance use disorders, veterans, and/or identify as LGBTQIA

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an LCS employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

• Physical capability to travel to designated locations, execute tasks such as standing, stooping, bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, lifting, grasping, and climbing in order to carry out basic duties and engage in light maintenance activities
• Proficient operation of a motor vehicle in a safe manner for the purpose of transporting oneself, colleagues, guests, and program supplies as required
• Adequate physical capacity to operate office equipment, involving continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements
• Ability to move, lift, transport, position, install, or remove items with weights of up to 50 pounds to meet the diverse needs of the agency or specific events
• Frequent engagement in stationary positions for extended periods, coupled with the ability to move about and maintain mobility for up to 10 hours per day
• Proficiency in spoken and written English to effectively communicate
• Proficiency in the Spanish language, both orally and in writing, is considered favorable

Miscellaneous Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet LCS’ auto insurance requirements
• Must successfully pass pre-employment background screening

Overview:

The Food Services Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the delivery of meals to guests at Lawrence Community Shelter and The Village, a site operated by Lawrence Community Shelter. Reporting to the Food Services Manager, this position is responsible for coordinating and ensuring the timely delivery of three meals per day. The Food Services Specialist will work closely with staff, volunteers, and external partners to facilitate meal services efficiently and effectively.

PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES:

Meal Delivery Coordination:

• Assist with the delivery of three meals per day to guests at Lawrence Community Shelter and The Village, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Work closely with staff and volunteers to ensure meals are prepared and delivered on schedule
• Address any logistical issues or challenges related to meal delivery to ensure smooth operation

Communications and Coordination:

• Serve as a liaison between the Food Services Manager, staff, volunteers, and external partners
• Communicate meal service schedules, menu changes, and special dietary requirements to relevant parties
• Coordinate with external vendors or agencies as needed to facilitate meal deliveries and resolve any issues that may arise

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of meal deliveries, including quantities served and any incidents or concerns reported
• Prepare regular reports on meal service activities, including feedback from guests and staff
• Provide documentation and data as requested by the Food Services Manager or other stakeholders

Support and Assistance:

• Assist with meal preparation and packaging as needed, especially during peak times or when additional support is required
• Provide support to volunteers assisting with meal delivery or other related tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Services Manager to support the overall operation of Food Services at Lawrence Community Shelter and The Village.

The Food Services Specialist will play an integral role in ensuring the successful operation of Food Services at Lawrence Community Shelter and The Village. In line with our commitment to excellence, dedication, and adaptability, it's important to note that the responsibilities outlined above represent the core functions of this role. However, given the dynamic nature of our organization and the diverse needs of our community, the Food Services Specialist may be called upon to perform additional duties from time to time to support the smooth operation of our Food Services initiatives. Your flexibility and commitment to our shared goals are invaluable assets in fulfilling the diverse responsibilities within this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Lawrence Community Shelter shall seek to ensure and provide equal opportunity for all persons seeking employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic as established by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Food provided
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 8 hour shift

Weekly day range:

• Every weekend

Experience:

• food service: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lawrence, KS 66046: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person