Program Specialist 3- Food Service Lead in Chicago, Illinois at Night Ministry

Position Summary:

Responsible for the day-to-day care of program residents and their children, if applicable. May include low threshold overnight shelter, interim (120) program, or transitional living program. Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment, while modeling positive behaviors, coaching around decision making, and working closely with case management to reinforce case plans. This position requires cross-training and regular rotation of work sites.

General Purpose:

Promote and maintain The Night Ministry's mission to serve homeless clients aged 14-24 and their children, if applicable.

Schedule:

This is a first-shift position, Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Role Qualifications:

· Must present a positive role model through attitude, behavior and appearance.

· Must react quickly and exhibit good judgment in emergencies or stressful situations.

· Must take every opportunity to interact with residents and their children.

· Must work cooperatively with TNM staff and volunteers.

· Excellent interpersonal skills; able to interact comfortably with diverse populations.

· Must obtain and maintain Food Service Manager Certification (required for this position).

· Must be able to lift up to 70 pounds.

· Maintenance of continuous First Aid/CPR certification.

· Maintenance of continuous CPI certification.

· Maintenance of Mental Health First Aid Certification.

· Maintenance off all requirements and responsibilities of previous job levels.

Primary Responsibilities:

· Order food and complete weekly menus.

· Ensure compliance with City of Chicago food-service requirements and inspections.

· Receive, rotate, separate, and properly store food.

· Prepare and put out breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the day.

· Complete required ETO documentation.

· Wake residents in the morning.

· Ensure residents’ rooms are presentable, garbage is removed, and morning chores are completed.

· Facilitate a life skills group every Thursday morning for residents who are present.

· Complete other duties as assigned.

Additional Position Responsibilities:

· Complete initial intakes with new residents on day of arrival; complete all paperwork.

· Attend all weekly staff meetings and mandatory training.

· Accurate and timely data entry in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).

· Record in log daily activities, progress and other significant issues for residents occurring on each shift; be available to update workers arriving at work following shift; review log at start of each shift carefully.

· Promptly greet visitors and callers; refer and assist as necessary, in a professional manner.

· Supervise, direct and ensure that all Night Ministry policies and procedures, as well as "house rules," are applied and always maintained.

· Direct and assist residents with basic life skills development for themselves and their children, if applicable (personal hygiene, cleaning of rooms and entire facility, cooking, laundry, childcare, etc.).

· Arrange for residents' transportation to various appointments and activities; may drive company vehicle if prior approval is obtained.

· Always ensure residents’ safety and well-being; report all unusual incidents, rule infractions, emergencies, and any visits by outside agencies (such as police, fire, DCFS) to on-call supervisors promptly.

· Provide for the best possible service for residents. Be aware of conditions and offer ways to improve the operation of the facility and agency.

· Display qualities of consistency, fair-play, firm but kind control (such as, supporting the resident while approving or disproving of their behavior), clear boundary-setting, tolerance, flexibility, and professional demeanor.

· Coordinate work responsibilities with volunteers, informing case management or volunteer coordinator when any questions or issues arise.

· Inform case management and Program Supervisor of any issues with residents promptly, either written or verbally.

· Obtain and maintain at least two specialized skills, to be determined with supervisor, to benefit the program.

· Assist with interviewing potential program specialists and training new hires.

· Assist with facilitating part of Foundations Training curriculum quarterly for new staff.

· Develop and conduct a monthly life skills instruction course for residents.

· Instruct residents in the monthly fire drill (emergency) procedure.

· Make referrals to other shelters, institutions or organizations as necessary.

· Special tasks and projects assigned may include field trips to various locations (such as museum visits, athletic activities) as assigned.

· Responsible for checking employee mailboxes regularly for any notices, updates, communications distributed in that manner.

· Regularly attend all staff meetings.

· Attend special training as required.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list, and duties may change as business needs evolve.

Essential Skills and Experience:

· 1-2 years' experience in client services and/or residential setting rendering service to at-risk clients.

· Knowledgeable of and conversant in the needs of adolescents.

· Pass DCFS licensing requirements; (per DCFS regulations).

· Crisis intervention training.

· High school graduate/A.A. degree.

· Current driver's license and proof of insurance; ability and willingness to drive 15-passenger van.

· First AID/CPR certification.

· Food Service Manager Certification, or ability to obtain upon hire.

Reporting to this position:

No direct reports.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; climb stairs; crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally drive an automobile; and lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

· Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary at the different locations required in this job.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Night Ministry is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.