JOEL E DOWNIN JR.
New Oxford,PA
Summary
Dependable food service professional with hands-on experience in meal prep, grill and sauté stations, portion control, and sanitation. Brings a strong service mindset to resident dining, customer assistance, inventory support, and daily operations that keep kitchens organized and running smoothly.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Line Cook
Brite Life
Hanover , PA
10.2026 - Current
- Executed Brite Life recipes and portion standards during meal preparation to maintain food quality.
- Followed Brite Life recipes and portion standards during daily meal prep
- Prepared grill, sauté, and fryer menu items, ensuring quality and consistency in Brite Life Food Service kitchen.
- Monitored food temperatures and sanitation practices, ensuring compliance with kitchen safety standards.
- Stocked workstations with ingredients, pans, and cooking tools.
- Scrubbed and sanitized cooking surfaces after each service to maintain hygiene standards., equipment, and prep areas after service
Garden Associate (Opener)
The Home Depot
05.2026 - Current
- Completed store readiness checklist each morning to open garden center.
- Assisted customers in locating specific items, ensuring their needs were met and helping them find desired products.
- Stocked shelves in garden department, operated reach truck to retrieve items for associates and refilled mulch and other heavy palletized items using reach/forklift. Did inventory overnight for Home Depot.
- Promoted safe practices as a member of safety committee, enhancing workplace safety for associates at Home Depot.
Dining Service Specialist (Server)
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Engaged with guests in dementia/alzheimer's unit, cleaned kitchen dishes, and provided adaptive equipment and utensils for meals.
- Assisted Cross Keys Village residents with service requests and daily support needs.
- Coordinated communication between residents, families, and community care teams.
- Documented service details in resident records and tracking systems.
- Developed seven years of experience in healthcare support.
Dish Room
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Assisted with washing pots and pans, then independently managed all dishwashing duties to ensure cleanliness and efficiency.
- Executed daily operational tasks with precision in a fast-paced environment.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Café
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Managed cash register during peak hours, ensuring accurate transactions and customer satisfaction. and Restocked café items to maintain inventory levels and support smooth operations.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Prep/Deli
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Sliced meats and portioned items for the salad bar and deli, providing quality and convenience for grab-and-go sandwiches.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
Cook
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Cook 2
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Prepared meals for residents in retirement community dining service.
- Followed therapeutic diets and texture standards for senior care meals.
- Cooked sides and vegetables to complement main dishes
- Prepared and cooked diverse vegetables to enhance meal offerings
- Operated kitchen equipment to cook, warm, and portion menu items.
Puree cook
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Prepared and arranged purees, maintaining quality and presentation for service.
- Prepared meals for residents at Cross Keys Village Brethren Home Community
- Followed dietary plans and food safety standards in daily kitchen service
- Monitored food temperatures, storage, and sanitation across kitchen stations
Extra Cook
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Prepared dining areas and served meals to residents with courtesy.
- Brewed coffee in commercial coffee maker to provide fresh beverage for customers
- Assisted residents with daily needs across Cross Keys Village community settings.
- Supported nursing staff with routine care tasks and resident comfort.
Cook 3
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Prepared and plated meals during evening shifts to maintain timely service in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Prepared meals for residents in retirement community dining services
- Followed special diets and texture modifications for resident meals
- Monitored food safety and sanitation in kitchen areas
Cook Assist
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Prepared meals for residents in Cross Keys Village dining services
- Cooked entrees, sides, and soups for daily resident menus
- Followed food safety and sanitation procedures in kitchen operations
- Coordinated office tasks to ensure consistent workflow.
Stock
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
- Managed and received inventory to ensure accurate stock levels.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
High School Diploma -
New Oxford High School
New Oxford, PA06-2013
Some College (No Degree) - Liberal Arts
Harrisburg Area Community College
Gettysburg, PASome College (No Degree) - Music Education, Euphonium Performance
Lebanon Valley College
Annville, PASkills
- Food preparation
- Grill cooking
- Sauté station
- Portion control
- Food safety
- Kitchen sanitation
- Dietary compliance
- Inventory management
- Inventory stock
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Team communication
Timeline
Line Cook
Brite Life
10.2026 - Current
Garden Associate (Opener)
The Home Depot
05.2026 - Current
Dining Service Specialist (Server)
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Dish Room
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Café
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Prep/Deli
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Cook
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Cook 2
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Puree cook
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Extra Cook
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Cook 3
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Cook Assist
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
Stock
Cross Keys Village-The Brethren Home Community
01.2019 - 04.2026
High School Diploma -
New Oxford High School
Some College (No Degree) - Liberal Arts
Harrisburg Area Community College
Some College (No Degree) - Music Education, Euphonium Performance
Lebanon Valley College