Cook I

Please Note: This is a continuous job posting and will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applications are received. The posting may close at any time without notice. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

Ada County is a great place to work! We have more than 2000 employees dedicated to enhancing our community’s quality of life. Our Juvenile Services team is growing, and this is an excellent opportunity to be a part of taking this team to the next level.

We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that increases your base salary by approximately 40%, including:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave starting on day one
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Participation in one of the nation’s best state retirement systems, with 11.96% employer contribution
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan with up to 3% county match, plus a 401(k)
• Paid parental leave, life insurance, and robust wellness programs
• Ongoing training opportunities and career pathing

OUR VISION
Inspiring hope for the future

OUR VALUES

• Caring - We care about the work we do, the individuals we serve and the people we work with.
• Authentic - We value our individual strengths and unique passions, and we play to the strengths of others.
• Positive - We look for the good and we bring energy and enthusiasm to our work.
• Present - We choose to be here, and we listen actively and with respect.

Learn more about Ada County Juvenile Services by visiting their website. Ada County Juvenile Services

POSITION GENERAL SUMMARY:
Conducts routine cooking and preparation of meals on a large scale, performs routine cleaning activities in the kitchen area and related work as required. 
 
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Cook I performs simple and routine work under general supervision and according to pre-defined guidelines.

• Prepares meals and sack lunches for residents;
• Follows standardized recipes, production records and portion control to maintain cost, inventory, and nutrient requirements;
• Documents all daily paperwork, including production sheets, point of service tray count sheets for each program and for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks;
• Documents and follows Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) procedures in the areas of:  purchasing, receiving, storing, preparing, cooking, serving, holding, cooling and reheating;
• Ensures that storage areas, both refrigerated, frozen and dry, are maintained at proper temperatures;
• Cleans and sanitizes kitchen area and equipment;
• Counts and secures all potentially dangerous kitchen utensils;
• Attends daily staff briefings;
• Stocks storeroom;
• Assists in freight deliveries.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs related functions as required.

• High School diploma or equivalent;
• Completion of standard high school/trade school course with instruction in institutional cookery or any equivalent combination of education and experience; 
• Minimum six (6) months experience in the preparation and cooking of food on a large scale;
• Knowledge of basic math skills, cooking terms and measurement equivalents;
• Knowledge of health and sanitation regulations, principles and practices as they relate to food service;
• Skill in the preparation of meals;
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions;
• Ability to keep daily records;
• Ability to work with culturally diverse populations;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and managers;
• Ability to clean the kitchen and kitchen equipment in an institutional setting;
• Ability to use sharp instruments safely.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The incumbent of this position must conform to all health and sanitation regulations;
• Must adhere to the Code of Ethics for Detention Staff;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including long or unusual hours, nights, weekends, holidays and overtime, including a 24-hr call out in order to respond to unforeseen events;
• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

• Must be able to do repeated hand and arm movements, chopping, lifting, reaching over head, standing for extended periods of time, able to bend, stoop, use a step stool and work on wet slippery surfaces, able to work around extreme heat and steam in the cooking area;
• Must have sufficient physical ability to:  stock food; prepare, cook and serve proper meals and clean the kitchen and kitchen equipment.
• Must have sufficient physical ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.

DISCLAIMER:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Ada County provides Veteran's Preference for all County jobs except for those deemed "key positions" in accordance with Title 65, Chapter 5 of Idaho Code.