COOK - SUMMER FEEDING - TEMPORARY

The hiring establishment is a public service organization operating under the Office of Juvenile Justice Services and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. This entity focuses on providing essential services within the juvenile justice system, placing equal emphasis on operational efficiency and adherence to regulatory policies to uphold safety, sanitation, and confidentiality standards. It is a governmental or quasi-governmental agency committed to public service within the community it serves.

This specific job opening is for the position of Food Service Worker, an entry-level role within the Food Service series and the first of three levels. The role is essential in preparing and serving meals according to established menus, ensuring the nutritional needs of clients or residents are met effectively and safely. This position involves a range of food preparation duties including washing, chopping, measuring, and mixing ingredients. Food Service Workers must maintain the proper temperature of foods and sanitary conditions in preparation and serving areas, thus playing a crucial role in public health and compliance with sanitation regulations.

In addition to meal preparation, this role includes responsibilities for cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment such as appliances, sinks, serving windows, and countertops. Workers are required to complete documentation and maintain accurate log books in compliance with the school lunch program policies, demonstrating the administrative aspect of the job. Another significant responsibility includes monitoring inventory and preparing supply lists to ensure kitchen operations run smoothly without disruption.

The role also demands adaptability as employees may need to fill in for higher-level positions like the Head Cook during absences, reflecting a level of cross-functional duty within the kitchen team. The work environment is dynamic and can be physically demanding, requiring medium work exertion including lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally. Workers must function under conditions that involve exposure to moving mechanical parts, extreme heat, and occasional wet or humid conditions, and be mindful of safety protocols associated with this environment.

Employees are expected to follow strict policies including the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and confidentiality standards pertinent to working in a juvenile justice environment. This employment emphasizes compliance, teamwork, and dedication to maintaining a safe, effective food service operation for the clients served.

Overall, this job offers individuals interested in food service within a structured and policy-driven public service context an excellent opportunity to develop their skills in food preparation, sanitation, and operational maintenance while contributing to a community-focused agency. The role supports a disciplined environment where safety, hygiene, and documentation are standard practices, and opportunities to advance are available through demonstrated competence and experience.