JAIL FOOD SERVICES AIDE

Under direct supervision, performs general food service duties at the jail, including meal preparation and distribution for staff and inmate meals. This role involves ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, including specialized medical and religious diets.

1. Directs and trains inmate workers in the food preparation, serving, and sanitation procedures; instructs inmate workers on proper use and maintenance of kitchen equipment, hygiene standards, and compliance with state health department standards and FDA food safety guidelines. 
2. Prepares a variety of nutritionally balanced meals, including medically modified and religious diets; adjusts menus and food substitutions based on dietary restrictions or allergies per medical providers instructions; assists with meal planning and menu development.
3. Completes, reviews, and enters meal records, medical diet sheets, inventory reports, and food temperature logs in the jail management software system as required; issues and controls kitchen tools, equipment, and food supply to maintain security procedures. 
4. Maintains and ensures all security of food storage areas, kitchen equipment and areas, and sharp utensils.
5. Directs and trains inmate workers to serve appropriate meal portions for tray or assembly-line distribution; ensures special diets or lock-down meal assignments are properly served. 
6. Follows proper procedures with sanitation, labeling, dating, and temperature taking; maintains food inventories and reorders stock as requested.
7. Prepares and transports catered meals for designated Sheriff’s Office functions as required. 
8. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, and terminology used in the large-scale food preparation.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations, including storing temperatures, food thermometers, and proper handling, serving, and storage. 
• Knowledge of weights and measures used to determine accurate ingredient quantities for mass food production. 
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and security procedures pertaining to jail food service operations. 
• Knowledge of standards for personal conduct and work behavior expected of inmate workers performing in food service roles. 
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other Sheriff’s Office software.
• Proficiency in optimizing meat preparation techniques to minimize shrinkage.
• Skill in preparing wholesome, appetizing meals and operating kitchen machinery (ovens, stoves, teamers, mixers, etc.).
• Ability to determine the dietary values of various foods and make appropriate substitutions as necessary.
• Ability to oversee and direct inmate workers, ensuring adherence to proper food handling and sanitation standards.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics for proper food measurements.  
• Ability to make routine decisions in accordance with rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and maintain clear, organized records.
• Ability to lift and transport heavy items up to 100 lbs., stand for extended periods, and function in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with other county employees, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
• Formal training in food service and meal preparation, and 
• Six to twelve months of experience in mass food production commercial, military, hospital, or institutional food service setting, or 
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Special Requirements: 

• Candidate must complete the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Basic Jail School within one year of hire and maintain required annual Polk County Sheriff’s Office training. 
• Candidate must pass a post-offer employment physical exam and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position. 
• Candidate must obtain and maintain ServSafe sanitation certification or equivalent within two months of hire and maintain every five years. 
• Candidate must complete a basic food allergen training within six months of hire.
• Candidate must obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within one year of hire and maintain biennially.
• Annual fit-testing for required personal protective equipment and adherence to infectious disease control protocols is required. 
• Candidate must pass a tuberculosis test annually.
• A criminal background check is required. 
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required. 
• Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required. 
• Ability to work overtime with minimal advance notice.