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COOK II - SHIFT WORK - OAHU CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

Job Overview

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Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
public service loan forgiveness
Reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Flexible work schedule

Job Description

The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in the State of Hawaii is a vital government agency dedicated to overseeing correctional and rehabilitation facilities across the islands. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining public safety and providing effective correctional services, including the management of inmates and the implementation of programs aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The department operates multiple correctional institutions and is committed to employing skilled personnel who contribute to the efficient, humane, and lawful operation of its facilities. With a focus on public service, safety, and dignity, the Department places a high value on professionalism and compliance with both state and federal laws to ensure safe and secure environments for inmates, staff, and the community at large.

The current opportunity available is for the position of Cook II, a professional role within the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This role is fundamental in the daily operation of the department’s food service, which serves a large number of meals in multiple facilities. The Cook II is expected to be fully competent and capable of working independently, preparing a variety of entrées and principal meal items. This position may involve supervising kitchen and cook helpers, particularly in smaller kitchen environments, or managing a designated cooking station in kitchens where multiple cooking stations operate simultaneously. The applicant must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, which include evenings, weekends, and holidays, reflecting the continuous nature of correctional facility operations.

The Cook II position demands extensive knowledge of quantity cooking, requiring experience in preparing meals on a large scale, such as in hospitals, schools, correctional centers, or other institutions that serve many individuals daily. The role involves applying various cooking techniques including roasting, baking, broiling, and frying for meats, fish, and poultry, along with the ability to manage food service operations efficiently and safely within the institution’s kitchen.

Candidates must meet strict eligibility guidelines, including legal authorization to work in the United States, reflecting the State of Hawaii’s employment regulations. Additionally, all applicants are subject to background checks and drug screening as mandated by state, federal, or departmental policies, especially considering the nature of working within correctional facilities. There is also compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), which prohibits hiring individuals with histories related to sexual abuse or misconduct, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and inmates.

This position offers a unique chance to serve in public service through a role that supports the daily operation of correctional facilities by providing quality, nutritious meals to inmates and staff. The department ensures reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and promotes an inclusive, supportive work environment. Furthermore, employees may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which offers loan cancellation benefits as a reward for federal public service careers. The selection process includes an unassembled examination based on education and experience evaluation, and may require in-person interviews or further testing.

In summary, the Cook II role in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation is a full-time, shift-based position that plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of food services within the state's correctional institutions. It is designed for candidates who have demonstrated a strong background in quantity cooking, possess the ability to perform independently, work flexible hours, and uphold the integrity and standards of the department. This opportunity is ideal for culinary professionals seeking to apply their skills in a meaningful public service capacity, contributing to the wellness and operation of correctional facilities throughout Hawaii.

Job Requirements

  • Legal authorization to work in the United States
  • Two years of progressively responsible experience in quantity cooking
  • Valid driver's license required
  • Willingness and ability to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Subject to drug screening and intensive background check
  • Compliance with Prison Rape Elimination Act requirements
  • Ability to perform duties in accordance with safety and sanitation standards

Job Qualifications

  • Two years of progressively responsible experience in quantity cooking
  • Knowledge and ability to independently prepare various types of foods using different cooking methods
  • Experience in large scale food preparation in settings such as restaurants, hospitals, schools, or correctional facilities
  • Ability to manage a cooking station or supervise kitchen staff
  • Demonstrated knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Willingness to work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Job Duties

  • Independently cook a variety of entrees and principal meal items
  • Manage a cooking station in a kitchen with multiple stations or supervise kitchen and cook helpers in a smaller kitchen
  • Prepare meals using various cooking methods such as roasting, baking, broiling, and frying
  • Ensure the preparation of meals meets the quantity cooking standards required by large institutions
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of the cooking station and kitchen area
  • Adhere to safety and sanitary regulations in food handling and preparation
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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