What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cook / Direct Support Professional position at SCO Family of Services?
Job Details
Description
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Description
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.
- New York State Driver’s License
- 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.
- Be team players.
- Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among
- Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with people served and their families.
- Ability to set limits and maintain helping role.