COOK

Cook

The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Cook. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

Job Duties: Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Prepares food using both mechanical/electrical kitchen equipment and hand tools in a safe and sanitary manner. Ensures that all food is prepared in accordance with each specific diet. May make work assignments, based on menus and cleaning schedules, and instruct, guide and council subordinate-level workers in carrying out a variety of food-oriented tasks.
• Maintains a clean and sanitary work area. Cleans and sanitizes kitchen equipment.
• Develops shopping lists based on approved menus and completes grocery shopping within the allotted budget for the facility. Maintains updated food and supply inventories. Ensures proper storage and thawing techniques for foods.
• Measures correct portions of all food items into containers in compliance with each person's specialized diet. Provides input to nutritionist specific to the special dietary needs of the facility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge in:

• Basic mathematics and simple calculation to convert recipes to appropriate sizes
• Preparing special therapeutic meals in a large group setting
• Cooking techniques used to preserve the natural nutrients and palatability of the product; Proper temperature to store, prepare, and serve foods
• Policies and procedures utilized in Food Services including sanitation procedures
• Principles and practices of leadership

Skills In:

• Oral and written communication
• Use, cleaning, and maintenance of kitchen hand tools (knives, can openers, etc.), mechanical equipment (stoves, ovens, mixers, food processors) and proper use of chemicals
• Preparing nutritional and palatable food while maintaining proper temperature during serving
• Reading menus
• Writing / Completing designated forms and inventories including use of computer equipment and software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)

Ability to:

• Prepare and present food in an attractive manner
• Maintain positive working relationships with the individuals and staff at the facility
• Learn, interpret, and apply Federal regulations for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF's)

Selective Preference(s): The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• Food preparation experience

Benefits: The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Stipend Opportunities
• Infant at Work Program
• Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
• Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities