Cook

The Sheriff's Office of Worcester County, located in Massachusetts, is a dedicated law enforcement agency committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community it serves. With a broad mandate that includes inmate management, public safety, and law enforcement services, this office plays a critical role in maintaining order and supporting justice in Worcester County. As part of its mission, the office is focused not only on enforcement but also on providing humane and supportive conditions within its correctional facilities. This includes a focus on the well-being of the inmate population, ensuring that basic needs such as nutritious meals are met in accordance with health and safety standards.

The Sheriff's Office operates the correctional institution where inmates are housed and managed, and within this setting, food services are an essential aspect of daily operations. It is within this context that the Sheriff's Office is seeking to fill the position of Full-Time Cook, a vital role responsible for preparing and managing food services for the inmate population. This role offers a stable, full-time employment opportunity with a set schedule from 9 AM to 5 PM, including weekends, under the NEPBA 515 union, grade 17. The yearly salary for this position is $55,953.39, reflecting the importance and responsibility of the role.

As a Full-Time Cook at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, the successful candidate will be responsible for preparing nutritionally balanced menus tailored to the needs of the inmate population, including those on specialized diets prescribed by the facility's physician. This role demands expertise in large-scale food production, a strong understanding of nutrition, and the ability to adhere to health, safety, and sanitary practices. The cook will be actively involved in all stages of food preparation, from creating side dishes and entrees to ensuring cleanliness and maintenance of kitchen equipment such as grills, fry-o-laters, ovens, and steamers.

In addition to food preparation, the role includes supervisory responsibilities for inmates assigned to work in the kitchen, ensuring both the quality of meal production and the safety and organization of the kitchen environment. Record-keeping and maintaining logs related to dietary allowances as recommended by the National Academy of Sciences are also key components of the position. The cook will coordinate with warehouse and vendors to requisition necessary supplies, demonstrating good communication and organizational skills.

Physical requirements of the job include the ability to lift up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and working in potentially elevated temperatures in the kitchen environment. Additionally, the position requires operation of a box truck for food deliveries, for which a valid Massachusetts driver's license is mandatory.

This job is ideal for a culinary professional with institutional cooking experience seeking a meaningful role within a public service environment. The cook will work under the general supervision of the Senior Cook and Executive Chef, contributing to the smooth operation of the facility’s food service and supporting the welfare of the inmate population. This is a hands-on, demanding position that requires dedication, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to food safety and nutritional standards.