Sous Chef - Food Service Manager II - (Nutrition ...

Department InformationThis position is open only to Colorado state residents.Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo - (State Hospital, Pueblo)As a cornerstone of the Pueblo community for over a century, Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo is a leading employer, provider of quality mental health services, and a community partner.Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!CDHSCareersDescription of JobAbout the Nutrition Services department: The purpose of the Nutrition Services Department is to provide quality food service and medical nutrition therapy to more than 1500 clients in a mental health care facility and the Colorado Department of Corrections. With over 100 employees, the department strives, within available resources, to provide adequate nutrition to clients based on medical, spiritual, ethnic, cultural, and mental health needs.This position is responsible for management of food service operations in the Dining Rooms. The purpose of this position is to manage the daily food service operations in dining rooms. The position supervises food service processes by delegating authority, assigning and prioritizing duties and monitoring operating standards. This includes supervision of multiple food service classifications and multiple units, tray assembly, meal preparation/service, safety and sanitation, scheduling, personnel management/training, and hiring of new employees. Ensures meals are served in a timely manner, are cost effective, adhere to all nutritional standards and are in compliance with Joint Commission, Federal, State and Local regulations. The position serves as a second-level supervisor for Food Services Manager I positions and provides oversight of all dining rooms.Duties:* Manage and oversee the food service operations of multiple dining rooms throughout CMHIP. Manage food service operations in dining rooms by directing food service staff, requisitioning foodservice equipment and supplies, maintaining inventory of food, supplies and equipment, and implementing dining room policies and procedures. Monitor dining room budget, and use of food items and supplies in dining rooms to control costs. Manage assigned teams in the development, design, review, implementation of project quality/improvement plans or strategies to support the departmental goals and objectives. Resolve informal patient''s grievances regarding meal service. Meet and walk-through surveyor and/or auditors. Oversee maintenance of kitchen equipment and completes maintenance/housekeeping requests to repair and/or clean equipment in dining rooms. Participate in hospital committees and provides written response to Food Service issues raised. Actively participate in the recruitment of dining services personnel by participating in Subject Matter Expert (SME) panels and interviewing process; recommend hire, promotion or transfer of positions.* Provide first and second level supervision to employees in dining rooms and oversee food preparation methods, product quality, and portion control in producing quantities sufficient to meet demand while minimizing leftovers to control food costs. Direct, supervises and monitors the preparation and service of meals to ensure compliance with State, Federal guidelines, and hospital policies. Provide appropriate supervision, mentoring and professional growth and development of staff. Facilitate and encourage unit personnel to make individual commitments to accomplishing the department''s mission through task delineation, developing work schedules, adapting the unit structure to change, implementing policies and procedures, employee appreciation/recognition programs and manages personnel (i.e., orient, train, coach, counsel, motivate, keep current chronological records, performance planning/appraisal). Encourage teamwork by creating an environment of empowerment and accountability. Conduct regular staff meetings to inform staff of upcoming trainings, events, policy changes, concerns, and comments. Provide positive constructive feedback to employees in order to reward, correct, motivate and drive a high level of engagement. Monitor employees'' time and schedules unit personnel as needed. Coordinate development of the weekly relief schedule with Staffing Coordinators and other Managers. Complete supervisory section of IOJ reports and Incident Reporting form in a timely manner. Conduct weekly supervision meetings. Demonstrate accountability for the proper use of individuals patients'' health information.* Assure the service of high-quality food to patients by conducting routine quality assurance checks and instruction of employees on cooking procedures, portion control, food appearance, diet accuracy and appropriate customer relations/client satisfaction, and treatment of patients. Survey client input to enhance food service operations. Enforce compliance with CDHS, CMHIP and Nutrition Services policies and procedures within the department. Complete dining room tours with surveyors and resolves deficiencies cited by regulatory agencies. Ensure compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Standards of Practice (SOPs), State and Federal regulations set forth by the following agencies: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDHPE), Colorado Department of Education guidelines (regarding National School Lunch/Breakfast/After school snack programs); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) standards; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Regulations; US Department of Labor/ Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations; Center of Medicaid/Medicare Services (CMS); Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Joint Commission standards. Implement policies and procedures at the unit level, training unit personnel in the operation of equipment; conducts hazard surveillance inspections and equipment maintenance inspections. Ensure security of department premises through monitoring knife/utensil count records and adherence to key, secured areas, and contraband policies. Collaborate with Nutrition Services Director to design and implement quality control assessment tools for the management of food service operations to include preparation of therapeutic diets, food safety, sanitation and security.* Seek opportunities for professional development and managerial proficiency through attending meetings, in-services, and skills development workshops, pursuing professional literature and actively participating in professional organizations. Continuously improve knowledge of nutrition issues and policies, research related to products or serves, and communication skills. Oversee the compliance of mandatory trainings for dining room staff. Evaluate competency for dining services employees and Dining Room Managers and develops food service training as necessary. Maintain competency by attending required hospital and departmental training. Effectively communicate with supervisor, internal and external staff, patients and regulatory agencies. Interrelate with other departments to exchange information, elicit support and in collaborative decision-making. Actively listens, shares information, interacts positively and cooperatively, has excellent verbal, written and communication skills. Communicate the policies, procedures and departmental goals and objectives of the Nutrition Services Department. Serve as a liaison within the hospital in the management and operations of Nutrition Services. Participate as a member of committees related to maintaining and improving food and nutrition services.* Other duties as assigned by supervisor or Appointing Authority. Provides coverage for Food Service Managers, as needed.Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal RightsEducation:* Bachelor''s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to the work assignment.Experience:* Two years of professional experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.** *Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a pro-rated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.Certification requirement (must be obtained within 6 months of hire):* Candidate must be certified as a food protection manager from an accredited program, per CDPHE regulation (6 CCR 1010-2) or able to obtain certification within 6 months of hire. Please note if not currently certified, the testing will be offered by CDHS, as part of employment, into this position.Substitutions:* Additional appropriate experience will substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis, but not the certification requirement.* Additional appropriate education will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis, but not the certification requirement.Preferred Qualifications* Culinary degree or certified dietary manager* Serve Safe or other Food Handling certification* Previous supervisory experience* Experience in Corrections or high-security kitchen* Self-Starter: Take the initiative to determine daily tasks. Make independent decisions regarding prioritizing work.* Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Skills: Effectively work with others from diverse backgrounds and skill levels* Strong interpersonal and customer service skills* Experience driving Change Management.* Developing personnel for promotional opportunities, empowering first-level supervisors, and assisting in professional growth.* Strong Leadership skills, the ability to get team buy-in and create ownership amongst staff.Required Competencies for Success in this Position:* Strong work ethic, integrity, and dependability.* Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills, and the ability to motivate co-workers to work cooperatively.* Knowledge of and ability to maintain sanitation/hygiene standards and use equipment and tools safely and skillfully.* Ability to effectively supervise others* Strong desire to work cohesively as a team.* Ability to troubleshoot and ensure timely meal service in a high-stress, volume-oriented, and security-driven environment* Strong desire to ensure organization in the kitchen and the timely and systematic completion of prep, post-production, and sanitation tasks.* Interpreting and applying policies and procedures* Organizational Skills: creating and maintaining electronic document folders* Communication Skills: Ability to maintain confidentiality; Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to present and provide technical assistance and training to an audience; proficiency in Google Suite.* Ability to read, write and comprehend the English languageConditions of Employment:* Must be a minimum of 18 years of age, with no felony convictions or history of domestic violence.* A pre-employment criminal background check will be conducted as part of the selection process as this position is deemed to have direct contact with vulnerable persons. Felony convictions, conviction of crimes of moral turpitude, or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your background check reveal any charges or convictions, it is your responsibility to provide the CDHS Background Unit with an official disposition of any charges. Additionally, you will be required take a drug screen.* Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety, and welfare* Required to work weekends and holidays.* May be required to travel for offsite trainings, meetings, etc.* Exposure to cleaning chemicals and commercial cooking equipment.* Required to take TB (Tuberculosis)Test* Per CDPHE regulation (6 CCR 1010-2) must be certified as a food protection manager from an accredited program, or obtain certification within 6 months from time of hire and must maintain certification while in this position.* Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination, or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.* Effective September 20, 2021, this position will require documented proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. New employees will be required to provide attestation to their status with proof of vaccination within thirty (30) business days of hire.Religious and medical exemptions and reasonable accommodation shall be addressed as required by law pursuant to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission''s vaccination guidance. If you would like to request a medical or religious exemption, please contact [Click Here to Email Your Resumé]Note: Fully Vaccinated means two (2) weeks after a second dose in a two-dose series of the COVID-19 vaccine, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two (2) weeks after the single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson''s Janssen vaccine, as defined by the most recent State of Colorado''s Public Health Order and current guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.On or after October 31, 2021, each facility shall ensure all newly hired employees, direct contractors, or support staff members are fully vaccinated at the time of hire or receive their first dose of a two-dose protocol, or a single-dose vaccination, prior to providing any care, treatment, or other services for the facility and/or its clients.Knowledge Of:* Foodservice operations and the preparation and production of food* Cleaning and sanitizing practices as they relate to foodservice operations* Knowledge of safe food handling, and storage practices and regulations* Knowledge of weights, measures, (e.g., food scales, measuring cups, and spoons), and food measurement techniques.* Knowledge of the techniques used in mixing food (e.g., gelatin, pancake batter, salad dressing, scrambled eggs, etc.).* Knowledge of cooking methods (e.g., frying, deep-fat frying, boiling, steaming, and baking).* Knowledge of food safety related to handling and storing cooked foods, serving and storing temperatures, and reading food thermometers.APPEAL RIGHTS:If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email [Click Here to Email Your Resumé]), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department''s action.For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director''s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.Supplemental InformationHow to ApplyThe Assessment ProcessFor additional recruiting questions, please contact [Click Here to Email Your Resumé]About the Colorado Department of Human Services has to offer:If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:* Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans* Medical and dental health plans* Employer supplemented Health Savings Account* Paid life insurance* Short- and long-term disability coverage* 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave* BenefitHub state employee discount program* Employee Wellness program MotivateMe* Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more* Remote work arrangements for eligible positions* Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For moreinformation, go to Values:We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at [Click Here to Email Your Resumé] or call 1-800-929-0791.THE CAMPUS OF THE COLORADO MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE AT PUEBLO IS TOBACCO FREEThe State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employerToll Free Applicant Technical Support

Created: 2025-09-06