SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: • Develop, prepare, and serve nutritious, balanced meals that meet the dietary needs and preferences of individuals served, in accordance with OPWDD, ICF, DOH, CMS, and HCBS Waiver requirements. • Ensure all meals meet required nutritional standards, including appropriate portions from the four food groups, and are consistent with ordered therapeutic or medically prescribed diets. • Prepare meals in a manner that promotes health, safety, dignity, and individual choice, consistent with person‑centered planning principles. • Practice proper sanitation, food handling, food storage, and temperature control in compliance with DOH Food requirements, OPWDD sanitation regulations, and CMS infection prevention standards. • Ensure the kitchen, dining areas, appliances, and food preparation surfaces are maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at all times. • Ensure all eating and cooking utensils, cookware, and equipment are cleaned, sanitized, and properly stored. • Maintain compliance with universal precautions, infection control protocols, and safe food storage guidelines, including prevention of cross‑contamination. • Collaborate with the Residence Manager, Program Director, and interdisciplinary team (IDT) in the development of grocery lists, menus, and meal planning. • Post weekly menus in a visible area, ensuring menus receive appropriate administrative approval. • Ensure alternative meals are available and documented for individuals with food allergies, intolerances, religious restrictions, cultural preferences, or special dietary needs. • Provide and display educational materials related to nutrition, food groups, and healthy eating practices as appropriate. • Order and maintain adequate food, supplies, and equipment to ensure meals are prepared and served as scheduled. • Participate in scheduled meetings related to food services, menus, nutrition, and meal preparation, as required. • Attend residence events and activities when requested, supporting community inclusion and quality of life initiatives. • Maintain assigned dress code, including required personal protective equipment (PPE) and food‑service attire in accordance with sanitation standards. • Perform all additional duties as assigned to support the health, safety, and well‑being of individuals served. • Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team in the delivery of services. • Promote and support an environment consistent with Positive Behavior Support plans & principles. • Encourage pro‑social behaviors and respectful interactions between individuals and staff. • Support and participate in behavioral support plans as directed and within scope of role. • Assist with daily care and cleanliness of individuals, as needed and appropriate, while maintaining dignity and respect. • Attend and participate in mandatory in-service trainings, staff meetings, and professional development seminars as required by OPWDD, CMS, and agency policy. • Maintain compliance with all agency policies, OPWDD regulations, HCBS Waiver requirements, Justice Center standards, and CMS conditions of participation. • All duties and responsibilities as requested by program administration. • Provide Direct Support Professional coverage as deemed necessary. QUALIFICATIONS: • New York State Driver’s License required. • Obtain and Maintain Food Handling certification. • Lift up to 25-50 Pounds. • Stand on your feet for several hours. • High School Diploma and experience in food service. • Must be able to read and write English. • Acceptable clearance checks for State Central Register, Driver license and fingerprinting as required by the program. • Compliance with health regulations of PPD. • Ability to cook for large number of people. • Minimum of one-year professional experience. • Obtain and Maintain SCIP-R and First Aid CPR & AED training.