Detention Cook

The Juvenile Bureau operates within Tulsa County and serves a crucial role in providing care and supervision for juveniles detained at the Juvenile Detention Center. This governmental organization is responsible for various programs and services that aim to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of youth under detention. The Bureau's employees work within highly structured environments adhering to strict regulatory standards, including safety, health, and operational procedures. As part of its commitment to public service, the Juvenile Bureau seeks skilled professionals who can contribute to the supportive environment necessary for rehabilitating and caring for detained juveniles.

The Juvenile Bureau is currently hiring a full-time Cook to join its team at the Juvenile Detention Center. This role is classified as safety-sensitive under Oklahoma statute and requires adherence to strict protocols including pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. The position offers hourly pay at $14.86 and involves preparing and serving meals for juveniles in detention. Reporting to supervision within the detention facility, the Cook is responsible for maintaining high standards of food preparation, kitchen sanitation, inventory control, and compliance with health department regulations.

As a Cook for the Juvenile Bureau, you will prepare meals according to designated menus that consider the nutritional value and quantity needed for juveniles. You will take responsibility for maintaining the security account of utensils and managing kitchen inventory. This includes ordering supplies as necessary and purchasing weekly perishable food items based on inventory status. Proper sanitation and cleanliness of the kitchen and storage areas are paramount, ensuring all areas meet City-County Health Department regulations. You will also be expected to care for kitchen equipment by performing routine maintenance such as defrosting freezers and cleaning filters, promptly reporting any malfunctions to the Superintendent.

This role demands a strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, menu planning, and nutritional standards to provide balanced meals. The successful candidate will be skilled in sensory evaluation of food taste and appearance, able to follow both oral and written instructions, and work various shifts as needed by the detention center. The Cook position requires the ability to interact tactfully and professionally with coworkers and juveniles, abiding by departmental policies and ensuring smooth meal operations within the facility.

Candidates must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid Food Handler Permit, and possess a high school diploma or GED. A minimum of one year of full-time paid experience in quantity cooking is required. The role involves physical demands such as standing, walking, lifting, and manual handling of equipment and supplies. The work environment may expose employees to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, and occasionally wet or humid conditions. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the juvenile justice system by ensuring that youth receive nutritionally adequate meals in a safe and well-maintained environment.