Household Specialist

Company: CareLink Community Support Services

For over 60 years, CareLink Community Support Services has been dedicated to helping people with disabilities to live in the community with dignity and independence. Our rehabilitation services and professional staff provide the support that people with serious mental illness, physical disabilities and other developmental challenges need to be active, productive members of their communities.

Location: Philadelphia, PA 19144 (Senior Supported Living, SSL Program)

Pay Rate: starting at $17.00- $17.50 an hour

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay
• Bereavement leave
• 403 (b) retirement plan
• Long term disability
• Employee assistance program
• Basic life insurance and basic AD&D coverage at no cost to employees
• Voluntary, employee paid benefit plans: Short term disability and Supplemental life insurance and AD&D
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

The Household Specialist is responsible for food and meal coordination and menu preparation, as well as planning consumer chore schedules. This position estimates food consumption and requirements in determining type and quantity of meats, vegetables, and other foods to be prepared, while adhering to nutrition and dietary guidelines. This position is also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of communal areas, kitchen coordination, and food safety.

Qualifications of the Direct Support Professional:

Required Education: High School Diploma or GED

Work Experience: 2 to 3 years

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations Required: Valid Driver’s License

Essential Functions of the Direct Support Professional:

• Prepares all meals under the direction of the Program Manager and Assistant Program Supervisor.
• Plans and writes house menus and ensures that they are followed.
• Posts menus and nutritional information on bulletin boards located in the kitchen area, office area, and community area.
• Plans and controls special diets.
• Estimates food consumption in determining type and quantity of foods to be prepared.
• Shops for all food supplies on a weekly basis in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Maintains the cleanliness of the kitchen area.
• Maintains the cleanliness of refrigerators and freezers, and ensures that all food is properly covered and stored.
• Ensures that all kitchen equipment is in proper working condition.
• Assumes the responsibility for planning special functions with the Program Director and Program Coordinator.
• Participates in the development on individual service plans related to housekeeping, nutrition, and cooking.
• Consistently assesses, teaches, evaluates, and supervises residents’ skills in the area of daily living, meal planning, and housekeeping.
• Meets with consumers to prepare individual apartment chore schedule.
• Performs daily progress notes, log book entries, and other related paperwork.
• Monitors kitchen, housekeeping, and linen supplies for residents and keeps supervisor informed of needs.
• Reviews emergency procedures with residents on a regular basis.
• Cleans all interior surfaces of common areas.
• Keeps all entrances clean and free of debris.
• Ensures that all trash is in exterior receptacles.
• Orders all cleaning supplies.
• Handles inventory and storage of all cleaning supplies.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Performs shopping and errands as requested.
• Organizes closets and storage areas as needed.
• Transports consumers as necessary and appropriate.
• Performs other duties or special projects as required or as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic principles and methods of food preparation and food ordering.
• Knowledge of good sanitation and hygiene.
• Knowledge of menus and how to plan varied menus.
• Knowledge of good food portions and weights.
• Knowledge of nutrition and some knowledge of special diet planning.
• Ability to organize kitchen and storerooms.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations preferred.
• Housekeeping experience preferred.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines; high energy, self-motivated and proactive.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.