Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Carter

Dixon

Summary

Dynamic Food Services Program Manager with extensive experience at Dixon Correctional Center, excelling in employee training and inventory management. Proven track record in enhancing food safety compliance and quality assurance, while fostering a collaborative team environment. Skilled in budget management and performance evaluation, driving operational efficiency and reducing waste.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience

Work History

Food Services Program Manager

Dixon Correctional Center
Dixon
07.2023 - Current
  • Provided ongoing training for new & existing employees on safe food handling practices.
  • Ordered necessary supplies and ingredients on a regular basis to meet operational needs.
  • Supervised daily operations of the kitchen staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Monitored quality of dishes served by tasting them periodically throughout the day.
  • Monitored employee performance and provided feedback for improvement opportunities.
  • Scheduled shifts for kitchen staff in accordance with budget guidelines.
  • Assigned tasks and monitored progress of all kitchen personnel.
  • Ensured proper portioning and serving of meals according to established standards.
  • Performed routine maintenance checks on all kitchen equipment including ovens, stoves, refrigerators.
  • Maintained records of food inventory, supplies, and equipment.
  • Coordinated maintenance and repair of food service equipment.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for staff.
  • Fostered a positive working environment, encouraging teamwork and employee engagement.
  • Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a clean and safe dining environment.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss operational improvements and address concerns.
  • Managed inventory and rotated food products in storage to avoid spoilage and waste.

Food Service Supervisor II

Henry Hill Correctional Center
Galesburg
03.2017 - 07.2023
  • Maintained health and food safety standards at all stages, from storage through serving.
  • Developed in-depth training for dietary workers in food preparation and service to promote strong team performance.
  • Monitored food quality and service levels to maximize kitchen, line, and dining room performance.
  • Identified weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
  • Requisitioned new supplies and food to maintain service levels.
  • Established and managed dietary worker schedules and shift assignments.
  • Tracked food production levels and meal counts.
  • Reviewed and approved dietary worker schedules for good time credit.
  • Oversaw the training of more than 40 dietary workers.
  • Organized and oversaw food service training to educate dietary workers on resetting tables, serving lines, cooking food in a large-scale operation, commercial dishwasher use, and sanitation procedures.
  • Maintained effective supply levels by monitoring and recording food stock and dry goods.

Food Service Supervisor I

Henry Hill Correctional Center
Galesburg
02.2017 - 03.2018
  • Maintained health and safety standards at all stages of food services, from storage through service.
  • Delivered training to dietary workers.
  • Kept work areas clean, organized, and sanitized per establishment's standards.
  • Monitored food quality and service levels to maximize kitchen and dining area performance.
  • Tracked food production levels and meal counts.
  • Supervised 40+ dietary workers in meal preparation, serving, cleanup, and sanitation.

Bowling Alley, Bar, Banquet Hall Owner/Manager

Self-Employed/The Paddlewheel
Havana
01.2000 - 12.2017
  • Managed daily operations of business, including hiring and training staff.
  • Oversaw budgeting and financial management.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Conducted performance reviews for employees on a regular basis.
  • Developed policies and procedures for the organization.
  • Ensured compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Created marketing campaigns to attract new customers.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to business operations.
  • Employed and managed vendors by negotiating deliverables, cost and expected quality.
  • Supervised performance of workers with goals of improving productivity, efficiency and cost savings.
  • Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Prepared weekly schedules to verify proper floor coverage within fiscal guidelines.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
  • Supervised daily operations of the kitchen staff to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Monitored quality of dishes served by tasting them periodically throughout the day.
  • Hired, trained, motivated and evaluated team members in order to maximize productivity levels.
  • Created menus that incorporated seasonal ingredients while adhering to budgetary constraints.
  • Coordinated catering services for special events within the facility.
  • Performed routine maintenance checks on all kitchen equipment including ovens, stoves, refrigerators.
  • Maintained records of food inventory, supplies, and equipment.
  • Collaborated with health inspectors to address any compliance issues promptly.
  • Managed inventory and rotated food products in storage to avoid spoilage and waste.
  • Managed cash flow, overseeing daily receipts and bank deposits.
  • Reviewed daily task list with employees and assigned tasks for completion.
  • Monitored food preparation methods, portion sizes, and presentation to ensure quality standards were met.

Bowling Alley, Bar Manager

Bowlmor Lanes
Bushnell
01.1985 - 01.2000
  • Managed day to day operations.
  • Trained & motivated employees to perform daily tasks.
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies.
  • Monitored budgets and expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards.
  • Conducted performance reviews for team members.
  • Analyzed customer feedback data to develop action plans for improving services offered.
  • Maintained up-to-date records of employee attendance, payroll information, vacation requests.
  • Managed vendor relationships by negotiating contracts and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
  • Ordered necessary supplies from approved vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable local laws regarding alcohol sales, sanitation, hygiene.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations in all areas of the Bar.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Sprucewood Farm
Macomb
05.1992 - 05.1996
  • Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
  • Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
  • Turned and repositioned bedridden patients on a regular schedule to prevent bedsores.
  • Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
  • Cleaned and sanitized patient rooms according to established protocols.
  • Collected specimens, monitored vitals, and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
  • Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
  • Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
  • Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate.
  • Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.

Warehouse Recieving

Farm King Warehouse
Macomb
01.1990 - 05.1992
  • Inspected incoming shipments for damage or discrepancies.
  • Packaged items carefully using protective materials like bubble wrap or foam sheets.
  • Maintained accurate inventory records using computerized tracking systems.
  • Loaded and unloaded trucks with hand-trucks, pallet jacks, and forklifts.
  • Maintained a clean work area by sweeping, mopping, dusting shelves.
  • Followed established guidelines for picking orders accurately.
  • Assembled orders according to customer requests.
  • Verified accuracy of incoming shipments against purchase orders.
  • Organized warehouse space for efficient storage of products.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Prairie City Nursing Center
Prairie City
03.1985 - 01.1990
  • Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
  • Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
  • Turned and repositioned bedridden patients on a regular schedule to prevent bedsores.
  • Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
  • Cleaned and sanitized patient rooms according to established protocols.
  • Provided basic patient care by taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, and recording intake and output.
  • Took temperature readings orally or rectally as instructed by the RN or MD.
  • Transported patients to treatment units, using wheelchair or stretcher.
  • Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate.
  • Assisted with admission procedures such as gathering personal data from the patient's chart.
  • Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
  • Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
  • Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.

Education

High School Diploma -

Peoria High School
1615 N North St. Peoria Il 61604
05-1984

Some College (No Degree) - Food Protection Managers Certification

Carl Sandburg College
Galesburg, IL

Some College (No Degree) - Foster Pride

Black Hawk College
Moline, IL

Some College (No Degree) - Occupational Rehabilitation Aide

Comperhensive Therapeutics Ltd

Some College (No Degree) - Certified Nurses Assistant

Spoon River College
23235 County Hwy 22 Canton, Il. 61520

Skills

  • Food safety
  • Inventory management
  • Employee training
  • Quality assurance
  • Budget management
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Performance evaluation
  • Supply ordering
  • Staff supervision
  • Food safety compliance
  • Conflict resolution
  • Food preparation
  • Ordering supplies
  • Cooking techniques
  • Food presentation
  • Sanitation standards
  • Kitchen staff coordination
  • Employee scheduling
  • Cost control
  • Portioning
  • Menu planning
  • Waste reduction
  • Staff leadership
  • Food storage
  • Equipment management
  • Health inspections

Affiliations

My outside activities are Bowling, Fishing & cooking.

Accomplishments

  • I have been awarded Dixon CC Empolyee of the Month for April 2025 & Dixon CC Employee of the year 2025.

Timeline

Food Services Program Manager

Dixon Correctional Center
07.2023 - Current

Food Service Supervisor II

Henry Hill Correctional Center
03.2017 - 07.2023

Food Service Supervisor I

Henry Hill Correctional Center
02.2017 - 03.2018

Bowling Alley, Bar, Banquet Hall Owner/Manager

Self-Employed/The Paddlewheel
01.2000 - 12.2017

Certified Nursing Assistant

Sprucewood Farm
05.1992 - 05.1996

Warehouse Recieving

Farm King Warehouse
01.1990 - 05.1992

Certified Nursing Assistant

Prairie City Nursing Center
03.1985 - 01.1990

Bowling Alley, Bar Manager

Bowlmor Lanes
01.1985 - 01.2000

High School Diploma -

Peoria High School

Some College (No Degree) - Food Protection Managers Certification

Carl Sandburg College

Some College (No Degree) - Foster Pride

Black Hawk College

Some College (No Degree) - Occupational Rehabilitation Aide

Comperhensive Therapeutics Ltd

Some College (No Degree) - Certified Nurses Assistant

Spoon River College
Jennifer Carter