Food Service Technician - Shift Lead

The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a government agency committed to impacting and transforming the lives of South Carolina's youth. DJJ focuses on strengthening families and supporting safer communities through targeted prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation programs. The agency plays a vital role in managing juvenile offenders, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to address the needs of young people within the justice system while promoting positive behavioral change and community safety. DJJ is recognized for its dedication to youth development, rehabilitation, and public safety, making it a respected institution within the state of South Carolina.

The role of Shift Lead in Food Services at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice is a critical position responsible for supporting the food service manager in the daily operation of the kitchen and satellite service locations. This role ensures that meals provided to the facilities meet nutritional guidelines and standards set forth by the Department of Agriculture and other governing bodies. The Shift Lead oversees the preparation, cooking, serving, and delivery of meals, ensuring food safety and sanitation regulations are strictly followed.

As a Shift Lead, the individual will supervise, instruct, and train new employees, temporary staff, and inmate labor in preparing nutritionally balanced meals according to approved menus and portion standards. This position requires strong leadership skills to coordinate food service activities efficiently and effectively, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment. Additionally, the Shift Lead monitors productivity output, oversees food equipment usage, manages inventory, and ensures compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. Accuracy in food production records and inventory management is essential, as is the ability to resolve employee concerns and inmate behavior issues courteously and professionally.

This position requires working rotating weekends, state holidays, and potentially different shifts, highlighting the need for flexibility and commitment. The Shift Lead must be capable of handling physical demands such as lifting up to 50 pounds and operating kitchen machinery safely. An understanding of food service operations within a correctional or juvenile justice environment is advantageous, with an emphasis on maintaining security and safety standards.

Employment with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice offers a comprehensive and rewarding career path with a competitive benefits package. The role of Shift Lead is an excellent opportunity for candidates passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth through quality food service management. This is a full-time employment position, typically involving direct and indirect interactions with youth within the jurisdiction of DJJ, offering hands-on experience in a unique and impactful environment.