Facility Cook, Community Corrections

The Northwest Regional Re-entry Center; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 37,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Paid time off

Sick leave

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Fitness stipend

Free meals

Job summary

The Northwest Regional Re-entry Center in Portland, Oregon is seeking a Facility Cook to prepare and cook large-quantity meals for residents and staff, following established menus and special diets. You will help keep the tray line moving and ensure meals arrive hot and on schedule.

You will work alongside a team in a fast-paced kitchen, with shifts across our 24/7 operations. The role emphasizes quality food service in a facility setting, with comprehensive benefits after hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in facility or residential food service preferred.
• Experience with large-volume cooking preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prep, cook, and serve meals from established menus, including special diets.
• Time production so meals hit the line hot and on schedule.
• Set up steam table and tray line; portion and serve meals to residents, staff, and guests.
• Coordinate sack lunches and saved meals.
• Run the commercial dishwasher and wash items by hand.
• Help with storage, inventory, records, and ordering.
• Follow County Health, Bureau of Prisons, and facility sanitation standards.
• Work independently and with teammates.

Skills

Food service experience

Large-volume cooking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Commercial kitchen equipment

Job description

• 6000 Northeast 80th Avenue, Portland, OR, USA

Since 1964, the Northwest Regional Re-Entry Center (NWRRC) has been a nonprofit leader in structured reentry services, operating a 150-bed co-ed residential center in Portland, Oregon. We support, educate, and encourage justice-involved residents as they transition back to the community with improved life skills, accountability, and safety for all.

As a Facility Cook, you help set the tone of the day. This is not a restaurant ticket line. You will prepare and cook large-quantity meals for residents and staff in our kitchen. Our food supports morale, structure, and dignity as our residents work toward returning to the community. You'll follow established menus and special diets, time production so meals hit the line hot and on schedule, keep the tray line moving, and help hold the kitchen to high standards. You'll work alongside other staff and take pride in volume cooking that does more than fill plates.

If you like a fast-paced kitchen, work that truly matters, and a supportive environment, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prep, cook, and serve meals from established menus, including special diets and substitutions when needed.
• Time production so food hits the line hot, appealing, and on schedule.
• Set up the steam table and tray line; portion and serve meals to residents, staff, and guests.
• Coordinate sack lunches and saved meals.
• Run the commercial dishwasher and wash items by hand as needed.
• Help with storage, inventory, records, and ordering.
• Follow County Health, Bureau of Prisons, and facility sanitation standards every shift.
• Work independently, pitch in with teammates, and take on other duties as assigned.

Compensation & Benefits (Full-Time)

• Starting Hourly Rate: $27.44
• Healthcare: 100% employer-covered medical, vision, and dental premiums for employees; 50% for spouse/dependents (includes life/AD&D/long-term disability).
• PTO/Vacation: Up to 24 days annually.
• Sick Time: Up to 12 days annually.
• Retirement: SEP-IRA with 7% employer contribution (after 1 year).
• Tuition Assistance: Up to 50% for related degrees/certificates (after 6 months).
• Fitness Stipend: Up to $50/month.
• Free Meals: Complimentary cafeteria meals daily.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience: Prior food service in a facility or residential setting preferred; large-volume cooking preferred.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Pass a comprehensive pre-employment process. NWRRC is federally contracted. Candidates must pass a fingerprint-based federal suitability screening and a pre-employment urinalysis. A positive marijuana/THC result is a disqualifier.
• Oregon Food Handler's Card, or ability to obtain within one week of employment.
• Valid driver's license with a favorable driving record preferred.

Availability & Shifts

NWRRC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Candidates must be available for any shift and any day of the week, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Schedules are intended to be consistent, with consecutive days off for work-life balance. The kitchen operates 6am-7pm.

Physical Demands:

Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to stand about 70% of the shift, walk about 25%, and sit about 5%; respond quickly to incidents while maintaining awareness of the work area; lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds; frequently balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch; and perform fine, repetitive hand work. Work occurs in an environment with temperature variations.

NWRRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.