Assistant Chef-Per Diem: REGIONS Site Secure Residential Treatment Program

Assistant Chef-Per Diem: REGIONS Site Secure Residential Treatment Program for Male Youth, Hamden, CT

COMPENSATION: $20.00/Hour

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.

CPA is guided by our BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) culture. WE ARE COMMITTED to building and maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and COMPELLED to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our BEDI culture at https://cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey/

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The REGIONS Site Secure Program is a secure residential treatment program for up to 16 male youth. The mission of the program is to provide a home-like environment with a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-specific, linguistically appropriate, strengths-based, and relationship-driven milieu for the youth to help them improve their social, physical and emotional well-being. Our vision is to therapeutically intervene in the cycle of offending to reduce the youth’s risk factors and prevent them from transitioning into the adult justice system. Our treatment philosophy is one that is individualized, designed to help the youth develop a positive self-image, learn effective coping skills, experience success, gain confidence, build positive relationships, achieve behavioral changes and re-enter their communities better equipped to succeed.

The high-risk youth in this program will likely have a history of violence and be of significant risk for future violence. They may be a significant risk to public safety and demonstrate chronic and persistent patterns of violent or public safety offenses. The youth may present with multiple complex needs that are challenging to treat and a history of poor treatment attitude and response. The youth may exhibit escalating antisocial sophistication. Their AWOL risk is high in context of low treatment amenability and if they elope, they will likely engage in violent or public safety offenses.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED. At least one year of experience with food ordering and meal preparation in a group setting. Possess a clear understanding of the State of Connecticut’s food service regulations and experience in meeting all Department of Health regulations. Must be a certified Qualified Food Operator or able to qualify, and able to instruct all staff in food preparation. Capacity to provide vocational training to program youth. Ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; decision making, communication, interpersonal and organizational/ prioritization skills. Adaptability, flexibility, resourcefulness and emotional intelligence. Must share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity to succeed. Must have and maintain a valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation. Willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Training Requirements and Work Environment Conditions

Selected candidates will be required to complete and pass a mandatory 120-hour training curriculum within their first year of employment. Training sessions will be conducted during standard hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM). Thereafter, employees must complete a minimum of 40 hours of training annually. Required trainings will include, but are not limited to:

• Ethics and Boundaries
• Suicide Prevention
• First Aid / CPR / AED
• Safe Crisis Management
• PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)
• DCF Mandated Reporting
• Additional trainings relevant to assigned job functions
• The training program includes Safe Crisis Management, which involves both verbal de-escalation techniques and physical restraint methods used to maintain the safety of both youth and staff during crisis situations.

Work Environment Note:
Candidates should be aware that the position may involve exposure to assaultive or abusive behavior from youth, and there is a potential risk of injury. Exposure to communicable diseases is also possible due to the nature of the work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Chef in planning and preparing approximately 200 healthy and home-like meals daily.
• As requested, assist with inventory and preparing food orders.
• Follow dietary guidelines as determined by licensed dietician.
• Maintain sanitation in accordance with agency specifications and the Health Department.
• Monitor Fire Safety Standards in accordance with local and state law.
• Provide vocational training to youth on food service and safe food handling procedures.
• Comply with all program policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain professional boundaries with all staff and youth.
• Serve as a role model to youth and staff modeling pro-social behavior.
• As necessary, utilize approved verbal and/or physical de-escalation techniques to eliminate youth’s harm to self, harm to others, significant property/program destruction and escape, maintaining communication with necessary parties.
• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, mutual support and belonging, working to eliminate any unconscious bias or discrimination in our beliefs, rules and systems.
• Participate in all required training, including Safe Crisis Management.
• Perform all other duties as required.

An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affirmative Action