On-Call Cook 2 - REENTRY Bellingham

Cook 2 - On-Call Bellingham Reentry Center

The Department of Corrections Reentry Division is looking to hire an On-Call Cook 2. This position is based at Bellingham Reentry Center in Bellingham, WA. The Cook 2 is designated as an in-training position. Depending on qualifications, the selected candidate may be appointed at the Cook 1 level or directly at the Cook 2 level. This recruitment may be used to fill future non-permanent and permanent vacancies. This position contributes to the agency's mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives by planning, ordering, preparing and serving the resident population at Reentry Centers with nutritionally appropriate, quality meals that meet the recommended daily allowance as specified in the Department's certified meal plan. Meals for residents are prepared and served in a timely manner in accordance with the applicable state and federal regulations and within the budgetary requirements. This supports the Reentry Division purpose of providing individuals with tools and resources for targeted opportunities to successfully transition back into the community by ensuring residents have nutritionally balanced, healthy, and safe food available during their transition.

The Mission of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

To be considered for this position, please apply directly at 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.

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

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Cook 2, some of your duties will include:

• 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.

Required 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.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Complete a felony disclosure form prior to employment and submit to a criminal background check.
• Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in-service and other required training.
• Provide physical residential address and home telephone number to the Department of Corrections.
• Become familiar and comply with all Department policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Submit to drug testing in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement and agency policy