Cook 2 - REENTRY Seattle

Full Job Description

Application Process

To be considered for this position, please apply directly at www.careers.wa.gov. As part of a complete application package, you must include:

• A current resume
• A letter of interest
• 3 professional references: See Supplemental Information section of this posting for an explanation of who meets the definition of a professional reference. (Phone number and e-mail address are required for each professional reference)

Please note: Incomplete application packages may disqualify an application from the selection process. The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the Supplemental Questions section of this application.

About the Agency
DOC's mission is to improve public safety by positively changing lives. We lead the nation with innovative and evidence-based practices that are aimed at reducing recidivism and improving public safety. Our employees find this profession both challenging and rewarding as they work together with law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community members to facilitate change in incarcerated individuals' lives. Community corrections staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

DOC OFFERS:

• Flexible schedules
• Comprehensive compensation packages
• Training and development opportunities
• The fulfillment of public service

Requirements

Participate in the preparation and service of all food on a shift:

• Perform mathematical calculations by converting recipes to determine the appropriate quantity of food products required to meet menu requirements and populations to be served.
• Ensure adherence to appropriate portion control protocols.
• Check food product during and after preparation, ensuring appropriate quality standards are met and adequate quantity has been prepared.
• Understand and apply rethermalization of food process/procedures if appropriate.
• Practice and perform progressive cooking techniques for quality control and to decrease waste within the food service area.
• Follow basic safety practices to preclude hazards and accidents.
• Prepare special diets as required (medical or religious).
• Maintain and model the highest standards of personal hygiene.
• Keep work surfaces and equipment clean and in compliance with state and local Health Department sanitation standards.
• Follow basic safety practices to avoid hazards and accidents .
• Maintain and track knife and tool inventory.
  

Perform ordering, inventory, storage, use and reporting tasks:

• Maintain and organize accurate food inventories and ensure rotation of stock items to prevent spoilage and pilferage.
• Receive, store and distribute raw and prepared or prepackaged food products in accordance with required standards.
• Receive, store and use chemicals and cleaning supplies appropriately.
• Prepare and submit work orders/equipment repair orders.

Monitor residents, ensure safe and secure operations:

• Execute and maintain tool control processes according to DOC policy.
• Maintain key control per DOC policy.
• Ensure safe handling, operation, care, use and cleaning of kitchen equipment

*Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Two (2) years’ cooking experience in a large-scale food service or culinary operation. Completion of a course in large-scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience

- OR –

One (1) year as a Cook 1 in State service

Current food handler permit required.

Ability to:

• Cook a variety of foods
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Write clearly, factually, and concisely
• Read, understand, estimate quantities and follow recipes with minimal waste
• Effectively communicate verbally
• Schedule and organize daily work
• Operate and demonstrate the safe handling and operation of kitchen equipment, e.g., mixers, ovens, choppers, slicers, grills, steam kettles
• Role model appropriate behavior to residents
• Supervise, coach, train, and provide constructive feedback to residents in general kitchen operational practices

Knowledge of:

• A variety of foods
• Alternate food preparation methods i.e., cook/chill and cook/freeze
• Basic arithmetic, e.g., adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing
• Food service practices, food preparation, and production methods and procedures
• Food service record keeping
• HACCP protocols, practices, and tools for food service

Understanding of:

• Weights and measures and differentiate between applications
• Rethermalization of food process/procedures

To qualify as a Cook 1 in-training:

• Current food handler permit
• One year of experience in food preparation or cooking, in an institutional or commercial food service setting.

*Completion of a course in large-scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience.

Additional Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

For more information about our agency, visit our Mission & Vision.

The WA State Department of Corrections (DOC) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be used to fill more than one position, and this recruitment may be used to fill additional positions up to sixty days after all listed positions have been filled.

References: A minimum of three professional references with a valid email and phone number for each is required.

Although current and recent supervisors are preferred, a professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.

If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

Salary is based on skills and abilities that apply to the primary functions of the role and/or years of experience and is decided at the time a final offer of employment is made.

The salary range listed in the job posting includes steps A-M, or A-U if a registered nurse (RN).

Within your permanent salary range, step M (or step U if an RN) is a longevity step, it is typically gained six years after being assigned to step L (or step T if an RN).

• Work with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals: This position may work directly with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Take this into account before applying.
• Background and criminal record history checks will be conducted prior to employment. Information gathered may not preclude employment, but it will be considered in determining your suitability for the position.
• Pre-employment drug test: A drug test may be administered as part of the pre-employment process. Applicants who test positive for a controlled substance may be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure you could expect in this position.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within sixty days of the date of hire.

If the test result is positive, further information, testing, and treatment will be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure you could expect in this position.
• Respiratory protection: This position may require a respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.

Verification Form I-9: The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of Form I-9’s list of acceptable documents.

Note: DOC does not use E-Verify. We are not able to partake in STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT).

• Foreign equivalent degrees: If your degree was awarded outside the United States, you may be required to provide a credential evaluation report if your education is used to meet the minimum requirements. Request a report fromwww.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org.
• Represented position: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

What We OfferYour work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.

Besides a generous retirement plan and comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, additional perks might include:

• Fourteen to twenty-five paid vacation days per year (depending on years of service and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement [CBA] if a represented position)
• Eight hours of paid sick leave per month
• Eleven paid holidays per year (includes one personal holiday)
• One personal leave day per year (in accordance with the CBA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
• And more! Visit our benefits page for more information.

Retirement Options

• PERS: State employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer-contributed retirement programs within PERS. For additional information, refer to the Department of Retirement Systems or call 800-547-6657.

For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact raven.richman@doc1.wa.gov or 360-515-2470.

For TTY service, call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.