Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Exact $32,849.04
Work Schedule
Rotating Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Training and Development
flexible schedule
Job Description
The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a state agency dedicated to the rehabilitation, care, and oversight of juvenile offenders through a variety of secure and community-based programs. Located in Fort Myers, Florida, the Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center is one of the agency's key facilities, operating with a commitment to safety, structure, and support for youth in custody. DJJ demonstrates a strong commitment to veterans and their families by proudly supporting the hiring of service members and military spouses. The agency is focused on providing the right services in the right way and at the right time, nurturing a working environment that balances discipline with rehabilitation and care. This commitment is reflected in their dedication to staff development, inclusive employment policies, and service standards.
The role of Food Support Worker at the Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center is an essential position within the agency, responsible for ensuring the timely, safe, and nutritious preparation and service of meals to youth and staff within the secure juvenile facility. This position is classified under a Career Service pay plan and offers a bi-weekly salary of $1,368.71. Employment in this role supports the operations of a 24/7/365 detention facility, requiring flexibility to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, and the potential for unplanned overtime or double shifts.
The Food Support Worker plays a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of food safety and nutrition, directly contributing to the wellbeing of the juveniles and staff in the detention center. Their responsibilities span the entire food preparation process—from the initial storage and handling of food items to the cooking, serving, and cleanup stages. Workers are expected to prepare foods according to specific recipes and pull sheets, adhering to set menus and special diet orders as directed by the Food Service Director or administrative staff. Accuracy in filling meals for various diets, including supplemental diets, ensures that all nutritional requirements of the detained youth are met.
In addition to meal preparation, Food Support Workers are charged with general kitchen duties including the cleaning of kitchen areas, dishwashing, trash disposal, and inventory assistance. They must utilize food service equipment proficiently and comply with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines, ensuring that food is stored, prepared, and served at safe temperatures. The role also involves completing documentation for Child Nutrition Programs, which includes maintaining temperature logs and storage records that verify compliance with food safety regulations.
Training is a continuous aspect of this position, with workers expected to attend ongoing education sessions to update and refine their food handling and safety skills. The job also requires physical stamina to perform tasks like standing for long periods, lifting, pulling, and squatting. The ability to perform basic math skills for measuring and calculations is essential.
This position is excellent for candidates with at least one year of food service experience or those who have completed vocational or technical food service training. Ideal applicants are at least 19 years old and have experience preparing meals for large groups, which is critical in this high-volume service environment. The Department of Juvenile Justice ensures that hiring practices comply with civil rights laws and strive to maintain gender balance reflective of the juvenile population served.
Candidates must undergo various background screenings including sex offender checks, national, state and local criminal background checks, and pre-employment drug screening. Compliance with Florida state laws regarding valid driver’s license requirements is necessary if the role involves transportation tasks. Successful candidates will receive certification consistent with the Department’s direct care training policies within 180 days of employment, guaranteeing readiness to support the juvenile justice population effectively.
Working at the Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center offers a unique opportunity to serve a critical role in the juvenile justice system, combining food service expertise with a meaningful mission to support youth rehabilitation and wellbeing in a secure environment.
The role of Food Support Worker at the Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center is an essential position within the agency, responsible for ensuring the timely, safe, and nutritious preparation and service of meals to youth and staff within the secure juvenile facility. This position is classified under a Career Service pay plan and offers a bi-weekly salary of $1,368.71. Employment in this role supports the operations of a 24/7/365 detention facility, requiring flexibility to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays, and the potential for unplanned overtime or double shifts.
The Food Support Worker plays a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of food safety and nutrition, directly contributing to the wellbeing of the juveniles and staff in the detention center. Their responsibilities span the entire food preparation process—from the initial storage and handling of food items to the cooking, serving, and cleanup stages. Workers are expected to prepare foods according to specific recipes and pull sheets, adhering to set menus and special diet orders as directed by the Food Service Director or administrative staff. Accuracy in filling meals for various diets, including supplemental diets, ensures that all nutritional requirements of the detained youth are met.
In addition to meal preparation, Food Support Workers are charged with general kitchen duties including the cleaning of kitchen areas, dishwashing, trash disposal, and inventory assistance. They must utilize food service equipment proficiently and comply with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines, ensuring that food is stored, prepared, and served at safe temperatures. The role also involves completing documentation for Child Nutrition Programs, which includes maintaining temperature logs and storage records that verify compliance with food safety regulations.
Training is a continuous aspect of this position, with workers expected to attend ongoing education sessions to update and refine their food handling and safety skills. The job also requires physical stamina to perform tasks like standing for long periods, lifting, pulling, and squatting. The ability to perform basic math skills for measuring and calculations is essential.
This position is excellent for candidates with at least one year of food service experience or those who have completed vocational or technical food service training. Ideal applicants are at least 19 years old and have experience preparing meals for large groups, which is critical in this high-volume service environment. The Department of Juvenile Justice ensures that hiring practices comply with civil rights laws and strive to maintain gender balance reflective of the juvenile population served.
Candidates must undergo various background screenings including sex offender checks, national, state and local criminal background checks, and pre-employment drug screening. Compliance with Florida state laws regarding valid driver’s license requirements is necessary if the role involves transportation tasks. Successful candidates will receive certification consistent with the Department’s direct care training policies within 180 days of employment, guaranteeing readiness to support the juvenile justice population effectively.
Working at the Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center offers a unique opportunity to serve a critical role in the juvenile justice system, combining food service expertise with a meaningful mission to support youth rehabilitation and wellbeing in a secure environment.
Job Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- One year of food service experience or completion of a vocational/technical program in food service
- Must be at least 19 years of age
- Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime as required
- Ability to stand for long periods and perform physical labor
- Must pass sex offender check and criminal background checks (state, local, national)
- Must pass pre-employment drug screening
- If required, must have a valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire
- Ability to obtain department direct care certification within 180 days
- Willingness to undergo Ergometric IMPACT Assessment and Training Test if not currently a DJJ direct-care worker
- Ability to comply with Department of Juvenile Justice policies and procedures
Job Qualifications
- One year of food service experience
- Completion of vocational or technical school program in food service area preferred
- Ability to work various shift schedules including evenings, weekends, holidays
- Ability to prepare meals for a large number of customers or clients
- Knowledge of general food safety and sanitation practices
- Ability to use kitchen equipment safely
- Basic math skills for measuring and calculations
- Ability to stand for long periods and perform physical tasks like lifting and squatting
- Must be at least 19 years old
- Ability to complete training and obtain certification within 180 days of employment
Job Duties
- Responsible for storage, preparation and serving of food to youth and staff in a secure facility
- Works at all assigned stations in the food service area
- Prepares all types of foods from preliminary stage and cooks those foods to a finished state
- Prepares food according to recipe and pull sheets
- Follows set menus or special diet orders as directed by Food Service Director or administrative staff
- Sets up and breaks down food service line
- Performs general cleaning duties in kitchen, storage, dish room and food service line
- Washes dishes, pots, pans, and utensils following approved sanitation methods
- Carries trash and refuse to disposal
- Cleans trash cans
- Assists in unloading and loading delivery trucks
- Completes documentation for Child Nutrition Programs including temperature logs, storage records and production records
- Assists in or conducts inventory of food, supplies, small wares and equipment
- Uses all food service equipment including food processor, slicer, fryer or mixer
- Adheres to food safety guidelines and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point requirements
- Verifies food temperatures during storing, preparation and serving
- Prepares assigned reports to support food safety compliance
- Attends training and incorporates learned information into daily duties
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Entry Level (1-2 years)
Job Location
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