Job Title: Food Service Technician

Position Level: Service Worker

Job Classification: Admin I

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

SUMMARY:

The Food Service Technician is responsible for the preparation, cooking, packaging, and serving of meals to inmates and staff, while adhering to safety and sanitation standards. This role includes operating kitchen equipment, managing inventory, maintaining cleanliness, and supervising inmate workers assigned to assist with food preparation and service. The Food Service Technician is also responsible for ensuring compliance with facility regulations and food safety guidelines. Work is reviewed through inspections and observation of results. This position may require shift work, including weekends and holidays.

REPORTING: Food Service Manager

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Prepare and cook meals according to established recipes and meal schedules, ensuring portion control and proper presentation for both inmates and staff.
• Package to-go foods and/or serve food to staff and inmates.
• Portion and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to patrons. Weigh or measure ingredients.
• Place food trays over food warmers for immediate service or store them in refrigerated storage cabinets.
• Inform supervisors when supplies are getting low or equipment is not functioning properly.
• Oversee and train inmate workers on proper food handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety procedures.
• Receive and store food supplies, equipment, and utensils in refrigerators, cupboards, and other storage areas.
• Stock cupboards, refrigerators, and salad bars, and assist with buffet meals as needed.
• Prepare and serve a variety of beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks to both inmates and staff.
• Wash, peel, and cut various foods to prepare for cooking or serving.
• Carry food supplies, equipment, and utensils to and from storage and work areas.
• Make special dressings and sauces as condiments for sandwiches.
• Use manual and/or electric appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim foods.
• Keep records of food quantities used and distribute food throughout the facility accordingly.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas according to food safety standards.
• Remove trash and clean kitchen garbage containers.
• Load dishes, glasses, and tableware into dishwashing machines for cleaning.
• Maintain proper food storage and rotation procedures, checking for freshness and expiration dates.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with facility safety, security, and sanitation regulations.
• Assist in developing meal plans that accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, and religious preferences of inmates.
• Complete daily reports on food service operations, including meal counts, temperatures, and any issues.

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Food Service Technician work is performed inside and outside with some exposure to weather conditions and some local travel. Work performed in a correctional facility kitchen involves exposure to inmates, kitchen equipment, and varying temperatures. Occasionally, some exposure to cold conditions in walk-in freezers and refrigerators may be experienced. Security measures must always be followed.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: Yes

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• At least three (3) years of experience in food service, preferably in an institutional or corrections setting.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and ability to maintain a sanitary work environment.
• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following are the minimum qualifications required for this position:

• Must be able to work early mornings, days, evenings, and/or weekends as required.
• Must be able to effectively articulate and communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Must complete Food Handlers and ServSafe Certification (or equivalent) within a designated timeframe.
• Must complete word processing examinations administered by the CPSO Personnel office.
• Must maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and cleanliness.
• Must be physically fit and able to safely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to multi-task efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn and take directions are essential.
• Must possess good time management skills and be able to follow detailed instructions accurately.
• Must be able to pass a Criminal Background Check, Physical Examination, and Drug Urinalysis testing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The following are the core knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to successfully perform this job.

• Knowledge of institutional food preparation and sanitation standards.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment, including ovens, stoves, dishwashers, and mixers.
• Good communication and supervisory skills to instruct inmate workers and report to supervisors.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and comply with facility policies and procedures.
• Time management skills to ensure meal preparation aligns with established schedules.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
• Proper telephone and e-mail etiquette to include demonstrated proficiency in English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and use of business vocabulary.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships within Caddo Correctional Center departments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The physical activities listed below are representative of a typical workday:

• Stand for up to 8 hours per day.
• Lift and carry up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
• Frequently bend, stoop, reach overhead, and twist.
• Some work in hot and humid environments.
• Some work in cold and frigid environments (e.g., refrigerators, freezers).
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
• Seeing to read a variety of documents.