Cook / Direct Support Professional

Job Title

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.

Travel Required: Yes, 25% of the Time

Education: High School or better.

Licenses & Certifications: Required DRIVER'S LICENSE

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.