Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Assist with preparing, portioning, serving, and distributing meals and snacks according to established menus and dietary requirements. • Follow food safety, sanitation, infection-control, and safe food-handling procedures at all times. • Maintain clean and sanitary kitchen, dining, food-preparation, and storage areas. • Wash, sanitize, and properly store dishes, utensils, cookware, and food-service equipment. • Receive, store, rotate, and organize food and kitchen supplies using appropriate foodstorage practices. • Monitor food temperatures and maintain required food-safety documentation. • Follow special diets, food allergies, restrictions, and other dietary instructions provided by authorized clinical or dietary personnel. • Assist with inventory control and notify the appropriate supervisor when supplies are low or food items need replenishment. • Properly dispose of food waste and maintain appropriate trash and recycling procedures. • Operate kitchen equipment safely and report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns promptly. • Provide courteous and respectful service to residents and staff while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. • Support a calm, structured, and therapeutic dining environment. • Follow all facility policies and procedures related to resident safety, confidentiality, infection prevention, and emergency response. • Communicate effectively with supervisors and members of the treatment team regarding food-service concerns or resident dietary needs. • Perform other duties as assigned by the Food Service Supervisor or facility leadership. Requirements Qualifications • High school diploma or equivalent preferred. • Previous food service, institutional dining, healthcare, school, or residential-care experience preferred. • Knowledge of basic food preparation, sanitation, and food-safety practices. • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately. • Ability to work cooperatively with residents, coworkers, supervisors, and other professionals. • Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, patience, and attention to detail. • Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries when working with residents. • Ability to work effectively in a behavioral-health residential setting. Physical Requirements • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. • Ability to bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and lift food-service supplies as required. • Ability to safely handle kitchen equipment and supplies. • Ability to lift and carry items within the requirements established by the facility.