Food Service Specialist - Juvenile Residential

3/13/2026

The specialist prepares nutritious meals for students and others on campus according to prescribed menus and established food and nutrition regulations. This role also involves maintaining all kitchen operations, including cleanliness, storage, dining hall services, and assisting with menu planning and purchasing.

Salary

16.5 - 17.5 USD

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

201-500 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

About The Company

Highfields, Inc. is a nonprofit human services organization dedicated to creating positive change in the lives of children, youth and families through counseling and support services. Highfields began in 1962 as a residential program for at-risk boys and has since expanded to serve about 8,000 people in 13 mid-Michigan counties. We offer a large variety of counseling, training, intervention and support services. Our mission is to provide opportunities to children, youth and their families to be more responsible for their own lives and to strengthen their relationships with others. Our vision is to create a brighter future for children, youth, families and their communities.

About the Role

The Food Services Specialist assures the care and good health of all students residing at Highfields by seeing that they receive nutritional balanced meals daily and assures the kitchen adheres to all health department and Michigan Department of Education (MDE) regulations.

Education / Certifications:

Minimum of a high school diploma.
ServSafe Certification required (Must obtain within 6 months. We would help you obtain this if you do not have it)

Minimum Qualifications / Experience:

Experience in, or the demonstrated to ability to plan, prepare and serve meals for large groups of people.
Must possess basic computer skills at a minimum.
Shall be person of good character who possesses the health, emotional stability, maturity and strength to carry out assigned duties.
Ability to show sensitivity to the service population, including cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Knowledge or Experience:

· Providing food services according to Child Food and Nutrition requirements for the Michigan Department of Education.

· Practicing health, fire and safety code regulations.

· Providing food services for large of groups of consumers.

Essential Functions:

Prepares nutritious meals for Highfields’ students and others served on the Onondaga campus.
Food preparation is completed in accordance with prescribed menus meeting established food and nutrition regulations.

Assist in determining and purchasing the best, most economical products for use in the kitchen.
Maintains all kitchen operations during assigned shift including:
- *Cleanliness of equipment Storage and pantries
- *Salad bars
- *Dining hall services
- *Special meals and events Kitchen aides

Maintains good communication and teamwork with all food services staff so that high standards are consistently observed at all meals.
Provides a warm, caring, disciplined environment for students thereby contributing to the overall purposes of the agency.
Demonstrates flexibility to meet special health needs or scheduling problems.
Assists in writing and maintaining the menu.
Perform other duties assigned.

**You will be required to complete a pre-employment drug test (does not include marijuana) and TB Skin test.

Key Skills

Food PreparationNutritional PlanningHealth Code AdherenceMenu WritingPurchasingKitchen MaintenanceStorage ManagementTeamworkCommunicationCustomer ServiceFlexibilityComputer SkillsSafety Regulations