Job Overview
Compensation
Salary
Range $42,657.84 - $62,514.72
Work Schedule
On-call
Benefits
flexible schedules
Comprehensive compensation packages
Training and development opportunities
generous retirement plan
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid vacation
Paid sick leave
Paid holidays
Job Description
The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is a leading agency committed to improving public safety by positively changing lives through innovative and evidence-based practices aimed at reducing recidivism. The department works collaboratively with law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community members to facilitate positive transformations in the lives of incarcerated individuals. The DOC prides itself on creating environments where individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society, which brings a high degree of personal satisfaction to its employees. The Reentry Division within the department focuses specifically on supporting individuals during their transition back into the community by providing targeted opportunities and resources to aid in successful reintegration.
The DOC is currently seeking to hire an On-Call Cook 2 to serve at the Bellingham Reentry Center in Bellingham, Washington. This position is classified as an in-training role; depending on qualifications, candidates may be appointed directly as Cook 2 or at the Cook 1 level. The position offers a salary range of $22.40 to $29.94 per hour for Cook 2, and $20.43 to $27.12 per hour for Cook 1. This recruitment is intended to fill current and future non-permanent and permanent vacancies.
As a Cook 2, the selected individual will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritionally appropriate, high-quality meals to the resident population at the Reentry Center. These meals must meet the recommended daily allowance as specified in the department's certified meal plan. Ensuring meals are prepared and served in a timely manner, aligned with state and federal regulations, and within budgetary constraints is paramount. This role supports the broader mission of the Reentry Division by contributing to the health, safety, and well-being of residents during their transition period through careful meal planning and quality food service.
Beyond meal preparation, the Cook 2 will engage in diverse cooking and kitchen management tasks such as applying progressive cooking techniques to enhance quality and reduce waste, adhering to safety protocols to prevent accidents, and managing inventory and orders to ensure proper stock levels and food quality. The role requires maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in strict compliance with health department regulations and Department of Corrections policies.
In addition to culinary duties, the Cook 2 is tasked with supervising, coaching, and training residents participating in kitchen operations. This aspect of the job supports the department's goal of providing residents with valuable work skills and fostering a positive environment.
The position requires physical capability to effectively operate various kitchen equipment like ovens, mixers, grills, and slicers and includes careful handling and storage of food products, chemicals, and cleaning supplies. Safety responsibilities also extend to maintaining key and tool control in accordance with DOC policies.
The DOC offers a comprehensive package including flexible schedules, competitive compensation, extensive training and development opportunities, and the fulfillment that comes from serving the public. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, working tirelessly to uphold an equitable culture where employees thrive and innovation is encouraged, ultimately enhancing outcomes for incarcerated individuals, the agency, and the broader community.
This role also requires candidates to meet certain conditions such as passing a criminal background check, drug testing, and fulfilling medical requirements like tuberculosis testing. The position involves working in a potentially hazardous setting near incarcerated or supervised individuals. Applicants should consider this carefully before applying. Overall, the Cook 2 position at the Washington State Department of Corrections offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public safety and community rehabilitation through food service excellence and mentorship.
The DOC is currently seeking to hire an On-Call Cook 2 to serve at the Bellingham Reentry Center in Bellingham, Washington. This position is classified as an in-training role; depending on qualifications, candidates may be appointed directly as Cook 2 or at the Cook 1 level. The position offers a salary range of $22.40 to $29.94 per hour for Cook 2, and $20.43 to $27.12 per hour for Cook 1. This recruitment is intended to fill current and future non-permanent and permanent vacancies.
As a Cook 2, the selected individual will be responsible for preparing and serving nutritionally appropriate, high-quality meals to the resident population at the Reentry Center. These meals must meet the recommended daily allowance as specified in the department's certified meal plan. Ensuring meals are prepared and served in a timely manner, aligned with state and federal regulations, and within budgetary constraints is paramount. This role supports the broader mission of the Reentry Division by contributing to the health, safety, and well-being of residents during their transition period through careful meal planning and quality food service.
Beyond meal preparation, the Cook 2 will engage in diverse cooking and kitchen management tasks such as applying progressive cooking techniques to enhance quality and reduce waste, adhering to safety protocols to prevent accidents, and managing inventory and orders to ensure proper stock levels and food quality. The role requires maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in strict compliance with health department regulations and Department of Corrections policies.
In addition to culinary duties, the Cook 2 is tasked with supervising, coaching, and training residents participating in kitchen operations. This aspect of the job supports the department's goal of providing residents with valuable work skills and fostering a positive environment.
The position requires physical capability to effectively operate various kitchen equipment like ovens, mixers, grills, and slicers and includes careful handling and storage of food products, chemicals, and cleaning supplies. Safety responsibilities also extend to maintaining key and tool control in accordance with DOC policies.
The DOC offers a comprehensive package including flexible schedules, competitive compensation, extensive training and development opportunities, and the fulfillment that comes from serving the public. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, working tirelessly to uphold an equitable culture where employees thrive and innovation is encouraged, ultimately enhancing outcomes for incarcerated individuals, the agency, and the broader community.
This role also requires candidates to meet certain conditions such as passing a criminal background check, drug testing, and fulfilling medical requirements like tuberculosis testing. The position involves working in a potentially hazardous setting near incarcerated or supervised individuals. Applicants should consider this carefully before applying. Overall, the Cook 2 position at the Washington State Department of Corrections offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public safety and community rehabilitation through food service excellence and mentorship.
Job Requirements
- Two years cooking experience in large-scale food service or culinary operation
- Completion of a large-scale cooking course may substitute for one year experience
- One year as Cook 1 in State service
- Current food handler permit required
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance
- Complete felony disclosure and criminal background check
- Complete employee orientation and mandatory training
- Provide current residential address and telephone number
- Comply with Department policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Submit to drug testing
- Work with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals
- May require respirator evaluation and training
- Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the US
Job Qualifications
- Two years cooking experience in large-scale food service or culinary operation
- Completion of a large-scale cooking course may substitute for one year experience
- One year as Cook 1 in State service
- Current food handler permit
- Ability to cook a variety of foods
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Ability to read, understand, and follow recipes with minimal waste
- Effective verbal communication skills
- Ability to schedule and organize daily work
- Ability to operate kitchen equipment safely
- Ability to supervise and train residents in kitchen practices
- Knowledge of various foods and preparation methods
- Knowledge of basic arithmetic
- Knowledge of food service record keeping and HACCP protocols
- Understanding of weights and measures
- Understanding of rethermalization food processes
Job Duties
- Participate in the preparation and service of all food on a shift
- Perform mathematical calculations by converting recipes to determine appropriate food quantities
- Ensure adherence to portion control protocols
- Check food quality and quantity during and after preparation
- Apply rethermalization of food process and perform progressive cooking techniques
- Follow safety practices to prevent hazards and accidents
- Prepare special diets as required
- Maintain and model high personal hygiene standards
- Keep work surfaces and equipment clean and compliant with health standards
- Maintain and track knife and tool inventory
- Manage ordering, inventory, storage, use, and reporting tasks
- Organize food inventories and ensure rotation of stock
- Receive, store, and distribute food products appropriately
- Receive, store, and use chemicals and cleaning supplies properly
- Prepare and submit work and equipment repair orders
- Execute and maintain tool control processes
- Maintain key control per policy
- Ensure safe handling and cleaning of kitchen equipment
- Monitor residents and ensure safe and secure operations
- Supervise, coach, train, and provide feedback to residents in kitchen operations
- Perform other duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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