Cook II - Northeast Youth Service Center

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We work with young people who are detained or committed and provide detention, custody, diagnosis, education and support to young people ages 12-20. Most of the youth served are between the ages 14 and 18. The Department promotes positive change for the youth committed to our care, and has been on the forefront of de-institutionalization, in part, by providing adolescent-focused rehabilitation to youth in residential treatment. 

The Northeast Youth Service Center located at 33 Gregory Street, Middleton, MA house up to 45 youths in three 24/7 secure programs and the DYS Northeast regional administration offices.  The 2-story secure-access facility contains approximately 72,000 square feet will include residential space (bedrooms and bathroom/shower facilities, classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, medical and dental rooms, a gymnasium, intake area, vehicular access sally port, perishable and dry storage and meal preparation spaces and cafeteria, security staff workstations, staff storage space, as well as the attendant mechanical and electrical support space).  The campus facility also has an outdoor recreation yard with designated athletic/sports facilities and a greenhouse.  

The Department of Youth Services employs staff in various professions and backgrounds in order to engage young people in strategies that support positive youth development. We are seeking an energetic, positive and dynamic individual for the role of Cook II.

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

The Cook II position, under the supervision of the Supervisor of Cafeteria, prepares and cooks food including meat, fish, poultry, puddings, sauces, soups, etc. according to menu and number of persons to be served; determine type and amount of ingredients which may be substituted in recipes; evaluate food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste; and perform related work as required. 

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

The Cook II position is responsible for the preparation of a variety of large-scale meals for residents and staff of a juvenile secure facility which includes snacks, entrees, sandwiches, desserts, salads, soups and various condiments in addition to serving the residents and staff. Incumbents of this position observe the behavior of resident youth in order to maintain the safety and security of the facility (i.e. ensuring utensils, knives, forks, spoons are counted and secured as well as other kitchen equipment). Additionally, this position is responsible for supervising residents in the kitchen when conducting vocational training. 

The Cook II position will also be responsible for: 

• Order all food for the facility and maintaining an accurate inventory.
• Cleanliness of the kitchen/food service area on a daily basis.
• Maintain the safety and security of juveniles/ residents in DYS custody as well as the safety and security of the building.
• Perform the physical requirements of the job, i.e., administer CPR and physical interventions when necessary and according to Departmental policy and procedure, etc.  

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to establish a good working relationship with others and staff.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Willingness to adhere to DYS Polici