Food Service Specialist
At The Transition House, food is more than nourishment—it's part of creating stability, structure, and hope for individuals rebuilding their lives.
As a Food Service Specialist, you'll prepare nutritious meals, maintain a safe and sanitary kitchen, and help create an environment where people can focus on positive change.
If you enjoy cooking, working as part of a team, and making a meaningful impact every day, we'd love to have you on our team.
Schedule
We offer two full-time schedules:
Option 1
- 3:00 AM – 12:30 PM
- Fridays & Saturdays off
Option 2
- 12:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sundays & Mondays off
Shift assignment is based on operational needs, though shift preferences may be considered during the hiring process.
Why Join The Transition House?
We're a mission-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals successfully transition back into the community.
Our employees are the heart of our mission, and we're committed to providing a workplace where you can grow professionally while making a real difference.
What We Offer
✔ Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
✔ 401(k) Retirement Plan
✔ Up to 25 Days of PTO Based on Tenure
✔ 7 Wellness Days Each Year
✔ 11 Paid Holidays + 1 Floating Holiday
✔ Professional Development Opportunities
✔ Employee Referral Bonuses
✔ Employee Discount Programs
✔ A Supportive Team That Values Your Contributions
What You'll Do
As a Food Service Specialist, you'll help prepare and serve meals that support the health and well-being of individuals participating in our reentry program.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 60–150 individuals
- Prepare hot and cold food items following standardized recipes and portion guidelines
- Set up serving lines, kitchen equipment, and food service areas
- Maintain food quality, freshness, and presentation
- Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, workstations, and dining areas
- Follow food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures
- Monitor inventory and report food, equipment, or supply concerns
- Help maintain an organized, clean, and efficient kitchen
- Support a positive and professional team environment
- Perform additional food service duties as assigned
Who Thrives in This Role?
You enjoy working in a fast-paced kitchen, staying organized, and serving others.
This position is a great fit for candidates with experience in:
- Restaurant Kitchens
- Cafeterias
- School Nutrition Programs
- Hospital or Healthcare Food Service
- Assisted Living Communities
- Correctional Food Service
- Catering
- Institutional Kitchens
- Hospitality
- High-Volume Food Service Operations
Core Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED (or one year of directly related food service experience)
- Ability to obtain ServSafe Certification within two weeks of hire
- Valid Florida Driver's License
- Ability to pass a background screening and meet Florida Department of Corrections requirements
- Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and safe food handling practices
- Ability to prepare meals efficiently in a high-volume kitchen
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment
- Sound judgment and ability to remain professional under pressure
- Commitment to serving justice-involved individuals with respect and professionalism
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in institutional, correctional, healthcare, school, or community-based food service
- Experience with high-volume meal preparation
- ServSafe Certification
- Experience maintaining sanitation and food safety compliance
Work Environment
This role is based in a commercial kitchen within a secure residential reentry facility.
You'll work in an active food service environment that includes:
- Commercial kitchen equipment
- Exposure to heat, cold, steam, and kitchen noise
- Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and meal preparation
- Maintaining strict sanitation and food safety standards
Our Culture
At The Transition House, your mental health is our top priority.
We believe that when employees feel supported, they can make the greatest impact. That's why we've built a culture focused on teamwork, accountability, respect, and professional growth.
Together, we're helping individuals rebuild their lives—one day, and one meal, at a time.
This isn't just another food service job. It's an opportunity to use your culinary skills to help create healthier lives, safer communities, and brighter futures.
If you're dependable, take pride in your work, and want a career with purpose, apply today and become part of The Transition House family.
Pay: From $16.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person