Cook II - Metro Youth Service Center

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking dynamic, positive, service-minded individual with culinary experience to fill the role of Cook II located at the Metro Youth Service Center Region. The selected candidate will be responsible for the preparation of a variety of large–scale meals and snacks for the residents and staff of the Metro Youth Service Center. The incumbent will also observe and monitor residents’ behavior, ensure that all kitchen equipment and utensils are secured and accounted for, as well as supervision of residents in the kitchen during vocational trainings.

For additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs please watch:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Prepare food in quantities according to the menu and number of persons to be served adjusting recipes as needed to produce required amounts.
• Evaluate food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature, and taste through observation and tasting in order to determine if it is fresh, properly portioned and prepared correctly.
• Assist in maintaining an accurate inventory and ordering of food for the facility.
• Operate and/or use kitchen equipment such as cutlery, grinders, and slicers to portion and/or prepare food for cooking.  
• Ensure cleanliness of the kitchen/food service area on a daily basis including basic food sanitary codes and proper serving procedures as well as Inspect work storage areas for compliance with sanitation codes.
• Contribute to the safety and security of residents in DYS custody as well as the safety and security of the building.
• Observe the conduct and behavior of residents, especially while in the cafeteria.
• Determine type or amount of ingredients which may be substituted in or omitted from recipes without altering taste, appearance, or quality. 
• Measure and mix ingredients according to recipe using kitchen utensils and equipment, in order to prepare soups, salads, desserts, dressings, gravies, sauces, stews, etc. 
• Roast, fry, boil, broil and season meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, and other food required for daily meals.  
• Provide on-the-job training for new employees in order to teach cooking skills and ensure compliance with safety, sanitary and food preparations. 
• Administer CPR and physical interventions when necessary and according to Departmental policy and procedure. 

Required Qualifications:

• Proficient in standard methods, techniques, safety practices and procedures in food handling, storage, preparation cooking and serving.
• Understanding of the effects of time, temperature, and weather conditions on food as well as methods and techniques for preserving food.
• Experience in the types and uses of utensils and equipment used in food preparation and cooking such as ovens, knives, stoves, steamers, etc., including   care and maintenance of such equipment.
• Knowledge of the tables of liquid and dry measurements, judging proper quality, appearance, and condition of food as well as the ability to read and interrupt recipes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Serve Safe Certified.
• Ability in menu preparation and planning.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.  
• Experience with the American Dietetic Association codes, symbols, and abbreviations.
• Training and experience in crisis intervention, restraint training, suicide prevention, CPR, and First Aid.
• Ability to work in a juvenile corrections facility work and train youths in Culinary Arts.

Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years.

Shift: 6am-2pm with Friday and Saturday off

About the Department of Youth Servic