COOK OFFICER

Cook Officer

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

The Cook Officer is responsible for all aspects of food preparation and service in the facility, including cooking, cleaning, prepping, and planning. The Cook Officer is assigned to prepare large quantities of a variety of food including meats, fish, poultry, gravies, cereals, soups, vegetables, and other foods. Uses various methods of cooking and seasoning and adheres to proper preparations methods including special, medical, and religious diets. In addition, this position also oversees and maintains custody, care, and control of detainees in common areas of the facility, while enforcing the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the company and contracting agency.

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

• The Cook Officer prepares, and cooks food as directed in the operational menu plan for the facility food service operation.
• Ensures recipes are extended to the facility population requirements. Maintains accurate production records.
• Directs work, provides training, and performs inspections of work performed by food service staff.
• Conducts visual security inspection of returned full carts to ensure no damage or altering has occurred. Reports any suspicious damage or altered food cart.
• The Cook Officer provides direction to food service team for assigned meals and takes direction from other team members when other meals are being prepped/cooked.
• Responsible for preparation scheduling and the quality assurance of all foods and supplies.
• The Cook Officer is responsible for placing orders for food and supplies as assigned by management. Checks in deliveries, takes inventory, and assists in rotating food and supplies as required.
• Conducts shakedown of food service products received to ensure no contraband materials are present. Confiscates contraband in accordance with facility and contracting agency policies and procedures.
• Rotates cleaning duties including but not limited to mopping, dishwashing, sanitizing food prep areas.
• Ensures the sanitation and safety program is actively practiced in all areas of the department.
• The Cook Officer prepares reports and maintains daily logs as required.
• Ensures all tools are checked out and returned to secure area.
• Conducts safety and security checks of food service and other areas as needed. Promotes facility cleanliness and reports need for maintenance and/or repairs.
• The Cook Officer may serve as a member of special teams to respond to emergencies as needed.
• Completes training courses as required by facility training standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent certification required.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age or older.
• College credits or relevant technical training courses in food service preparation and cooking are preferred. Prior cooking and correctional food service training preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years prior experience in successfully managing and/or quantity food production experience in commercial, military, or institutional setting or an equivalent combination of work experience and training required.
• Ability to work overtime as required.
• Ability to handle physical and mental stress associated with working extended hours.
• Must be able to regularly report to work without being late.
• Ability to be physically alert on any shift that is assigned.
• Ability to work up to sixteen (16) hours within a rolling 24-hour period.
• Work experience in a correctional setting preferred.
• May be required to possess a valid state driver's license.
• Must be mature, flexible, able to command the respect and confidence of inmates or detainees and staff and possess a high tolerance to mental stress.
• Must be a United States citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Must have lived in the U.S. for the past five (5) consecutive years.