FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR I - SES

The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is a state agency committed to serving veterans who have honorably served in the United States Armed Forces. One of its key facilities, the Alwyn C. Cashe State Veterans' Nursing Home located in Orlando, Florida, provides long-term care and support for veteran residents. This skilled nursing facility prides itself on maintaining a dedicated team of long-term employees and fostering a positive, inclusive work culture. The Agency demonstrates a strong commitment to employee welfare by offering an excellent retirement package, optional deferred compensation plan, and various insurance coverages including health, vision, dental, disability, and supplemental plans at affordable premiums. Employees also benefit from paid vacation, sick leave, nine paid holidays, one personal day, and tuition waivers for State Universities and Community Colleges (up to six credits per semester). Employment at the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs follows strict standards, including a comprehensive screening process that involves a national background investigation and drug testing to promote a safe and secure workplace for all. Education and employment history verification is required, with submission of relevant credentials necessary at the time of application.

The role of Food Service Director I at the Alwyn C. Cashe State Veterans' Nursing Home is a crucial leadership position within the dietary department, offering an annual salary of $48,183.20 paid bi-weekly. Under the supervision of the facility Administrator, the Food Service Director I is responsible for the planning, management, and oversight of the entire food service operation, ensuring that residents receive nutritious, safe, and cost-effective meals tailored to their dietary needs and preferences. This role requires maintaining strict compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations related to food service operations within a healthcare setting.

Key responsibilities include leading a diverse food service team comprising Food Service Administrators, Food Control Specialists, Food Support Workers, and cooks. The Director manages work schedules to ensure adequate staffing for routine operations, special events, and functions, optimizing staff utilization and productivity. A significant part of the role is focused on training staff for efficient, sanitary food preparation and service, motivating employees to achieve high-quality output, and maintaining a positive relationship with residents by addressing concerns and ensuring satisfaction with meal services. The Director also oversees all aspects of food procurement, storage, inventory control, production, cost analysis, and budget adherence, including verifying incoming shipments and initiating purchase requests. Safety and sanitation measures are rigorously enforced, with staff regularly trained on proper handling techniques and equipment maintenance.

Moreover, the Food Service Director I actively participates in Care Plan meetings and completes necessary documentation such as Minimum Data Set (MDS) to align nutritional care with resident health plans. Collaboration with the facility dietitian is vital, ensuring menus, policies, nutrition concerns, training, and regulatory compliance continuously meet quality standards. The Director is responsible for hiring, disciplining, evaluating, and training all food service employees, including conducting in-service trainings on relevant topics. Additional duties involve developing department policies and procedures and performing other related tasks as required.

This leadership role is positioned within Florida's Selected Exempt Service system, emphasizing the critical nature of food service management in enhancing the wellbeing of a vulnerable veteran population. The ideal candidate will be credentialed as a Certified Dietary Manager or Registered Dietitian, possess significant food service supervisory experience, and exhibit proficiency with Microsoft Suite applications. This position demands excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively lead the team and foster a supportive, resident-focused environment. Opportunities to contribute to meaningful veteran care through expert food service administration make this a rewarding career choice at the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs.