Prep Cook - EMJD

Prep Cook – Part‑Time Location: East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, San Diego, CA Reports To: Chef FLSA Status: Non‑exempt, Part‑Time Compensation: $18.00–$23.00 per hour About the Organization Kitchens for Good transforms lives through culinary arts by providing training and employment opportunities to individuals in the community. Position Summary The Prep Cook assists in the preparation of meals for residents of the detention facility, ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Prepare ingredients for daily meals, including chopping vegetables, portioning food, and assembling trays. Follow standardized recipes and portion‑control guidelines. Assist in cooking and baking under supervision, as needed. Maintain cleanliness and organization of food prep areas. Operate dishwashing equipment and ensure all kitchenware, utensils, and trays are properly cleaned and sanitized. Monitor the dish pit area for cleanliness and safety, including proper disposal of waste. Adhere to all food safety regulations and facility protocols. Communicate professionally with correctional staff regarding kitchen operations, inmate movement, and safety procedures. Provide meals to correctional staff courteously and in a timely manner, respecting dietary needs and preferences. Maintain inventory of supplies and report shortages or equipment issues. Ensure compliance with security procedures, including tool and equipment accountability. Participate in routine inspections and audits as required. Perform other related duties as assigned. Competencies Collaboration skills Customer/Client focus Flexibility Stress management / composure Excellent communication Work Environment & Physical Demands The kitchen includes ovens, stoves, dishwashers, slicers, coffee machines, steamers, mixers, and chef’s knives. Employees are frequently exposed to heat, steam, fire, and noise. The facility is a secure detention environment with strict safety and conduct protocols. Work may involve standing, reaching, lifting ( up to 50 lbs ), bending, kneeling, stooping, climbing, pushing, and pulling. Position Type / Hours Part‑time, 20–30 hours per week, with weekend and evening shifts. AM and PM shifts are available and may vary based on organizational needs. Employees may be required to work across locations. Travel Employees may be expected to travel to additional locations. Benefits Medical, dental, and vision coverage 403(b) retirement savings Professional development budget 13 paid holidays Generous PTO plan Compensation Transparency The base salary range is provided to ensure clarity and fairness. Final offer will be based on education, experience, skills, and internal equity. Accommodations & ADA Statement Kitchens for Good will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made without undue hardship. Contact information: Juanita Atitsogbuie, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io . Equal Employment Opportunity Kitchens for Good is an equal‑opportunity employer and will provide consideration for employment based on qualification, without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Education and Experience Requirements Minimum high school diploma or equivalent At least 6 months of experience as a prep cook or dishwasher Certified by the Department of Apprenticeship Standards (Kitchens for Good Apprentice) – highly desired Proficient in common computer software (MS Office, etc.) Food handler’s permit (or willingness to obtain one upon hire, which will be scheduled and paid for by the organization) Background Checks Must pass criminal background clearance through Probation, the California DOJ, and the FBI, as well as drug screening and tuberculosis testing. At‑Will Employment Employment is at‑will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr SupportFinity™