Cook

Overall Objective Of Job

To perform cook duties including preparing meals and participating in the preparation of food for the prison following sanitary and infection control policies and procedures. To oversee the care, custody and control of the inmates assigned to kitchen duty.

Essential Functions Of Job:

• Observe inmates' activities in the kitchen and reports any unusual behavior or needs.
• Conducts security checks of equipment and tools.
• Opens, unlocks, and turns on all equipment.
• Prepares and cooks food items and menu selections.
• Cleans and washes food items and places items in appropriate utensils or storage containers.
• Operates ovens, stoves, steam tables and other kitchen equipment as required.
• Follows recipes and prepares meals.
• Washes and cleans utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment.
• Assists with fire drills and any other special assignments.
• Assists in taking food to various units within facility.
• Performs Correctional Officer duties as assigned on an as-needed basis.
• Attends meetings, training or in-services as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Supervision Exercised:

Supervises in the care and custody of inmates assigned to kitchen duty.

Supervision Received:

Receives frequent to occasional instruction and some supervision from the Warden.

Working Conditions:

1. Works in adequate workspace, lighting, and ventilation, but with fluctuations in temperatures.

2. Frequent exposure to noise and disruption and little stress.

3. Normal indoor exposure to dust/dirt.

4. Potential exposure to extreme heat, steam, burns, falls, or cuts.

5. Works in conditions of potential outbursts of disruptive behavior from inmates.

6. Subject to working shifts or on-call as schedule warrants.

Physical And Mental Conditions:

1. Must possess ability to record, convey and present information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.

2. Must be able to stand, walk for long periods throughout the workday, with intermittent periods of bending, twisting, stooping, pushing, pulling, and reaching as necessary to carry out duties of job.

3. Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; torso necessary to carry out duties of job.

4. Medium work, with frequent lifting/carrying of objects weighing up to fifty pounds.

5. Must have agility to be able to move frequently throughout the workday.

6. Must be able to react quickly physically and mentally in the event of a disturbance or physical outbreak.

7. Must be able to read and follow simple standard recipes.

Qualifications (Education & Experience):

Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent, plus ability to read, follow instructions and lift fifty (50) pounds. Must be able to successfully acquire a certificate of training from the Department of Corrections. One year of restaurant or institution kitchen experience preferred.

Clearances:

• Must work in conjunction with employer to apply for Act 34 PA State Police Criminal History clearance. All clearances must reflect acceptable results.
• Must not appear on Preclusion Lists as defined by "Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance Bulletin 99-11-05 Provider Screening of Employees and Contractors for Exclusion from Participating in Federal Healthcare Programs."

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

1. Must be able to speak and understand the English language in an understandable manner to carry out essential functions of job.
2. Must be able to read and follow instructions and to assist in training new employees or inmates.
3. Must be able to learn to operate and operate kitchen equipment safely and accurately.
4. Must possess ability to maintain personal cleanliness.
5. Must possess ability to learn methods and practices of food preparation and service.
6. Must possess ability to follow and use quality control standards.
7. Must possess basic math skills and be able to weigh ingredients and prepare required food entrees and assist in recording stock and supplies.