Food Technician

Who We Are:

We help our neighbors meet immediate needs and face long-term challenges. We steward our resources with transparency and efficiency. Together, we create a community where everyone is able to live with dignity and hope. Impelled by the love and teaching of Jesus Christ, while respecting the dignity and potential of all people, we collaborate to offer life-giving programs, advocate for the voiceless and empower the vulnerable to foster a just society .Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) has been an open door, a warm welcome, dry ground, a defending voice, and a hand up for generations of Louisiana residents. Our shared stories and strong roots help a diverse community stand tall together. Meeting the needs of the whole person is our continued commitment.

What You'll Do:

The Food Technician is responsible for guaranteeing that the children are served nutritious, good tasting and appealing meals and snacks. It is the Food Technician's responsibility to prepare these meals and snacks by methods that maintain high nutrient levels and that are sanitary. It is also the Food Technician's duty to deliver meals to the classroom ready for family style meal service and suitable for the children's age and development. The Food Technician purchases all food and supplies necessary with the assistance of the Lead Food Technician and keeps records required by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and the Grantee. This position involves extensive organizing, problem solving, record keeping, and time management.

• Plans and prepares foods in accordance with Head Start Food Service Policy, Menus and Recipes.
• Purchases food and supplies necessary to prepare the planned menus for the number of enrolled children and program staff.
• Plans meals far enough ahead to minimize the need for food substitutions; when substitutions are necessary, with prior approval, purchases and serves food of equivalent nutritional value. With guidance from the Nutritionist, modifies menus for children's field trips; notes all modifications and substitutes on posted menu and for CACFP records.
• Prepares meals and snacks in such a way that a minimum of nutrients are lost from foods, that ensure foods taste good and look appealing, and that there are ample amounts of foods for children to have as many servings as they need.
• Maintains established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments; maintains an orderly, sanitary, and safe kitchen.
• With the guidance of the contracted Nutritionist, modifies menus and recipes and prepares foods to meet the developmental needs of infants and toddlers and the medical and feeding needs of children with disabilities or food allergies.
• Delivers foods from the kitchen to the classrooms (if necessary) ready to be served as suitable for the children's age and development.
• Maintains cost control, budget and inventory systems based on CAFCP procedures including records of food production, service and attendance.
• Assures the proper care and maintenance of all food service equipment; identifies equipment needs for food preparation and service and assists in purchasing as needed.
• Assists teachers with developing food activities for the children in the classroom.
• Proper clothing, shoes and hair restraints according to Health Department Standards are to be worn daily.
• Cooperates with and participates in nutrition education activities for staff, parents and children.
• Participates in all emergency drills and environmental safety activities.
• Attends and participates in grantee-sponsored trainings, center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities.
• Participates in the agency's self-evaluation process and grantee monitoring visits and complies with any applicable Program Improvement Plans developed.
• Participates in general staff meetings and other meetings and events planned by the grantee and delegate agency as requested.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Perks!

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• FSA, HSA
• Indemnity Plans
• 401k Matching
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• Company Paid STD & LTD
• Wellness Program Incentives
• Employee Referral Bonus
• EAP
• Teladoc and sooo much more!

What You'll Bring:

•  Food Technician  course work and training in foods, nutrition and/or dietetics strongly preferred.
• High school diploma/GED strongly preferred.
• It is also preferred that the Food Technician possess a current Safe Serve Certificate strongly preferred.
• Possess knowledge of the principles and practices and current state of child nutrition and of the eating habits of the children served in the program.
• Demonstrated skills in preparing these foods in a nutritious, good tasting and appealing manner.
• Experience in child food service preparation and management desirable. Knowledge of CACFP requirements also desirable
• Knowledge of the challenges and strengths of low-income and migrant families.
• Effective oral and written communication skills commensurate with the responsibilities of the position are required.

Schedule

• Monday thru Friday
• Full-Time

The Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer At the CCANO , we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran service, genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The CCANO expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on any of the characteristics listed here. Improper interference with the ability of CCANO employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. The CCANO complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which CCANO has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.