Food Service Worker - Correction

County of Santa Clara; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Santa Clara’s Department of Correction Food Service Unit seeks a capable team member to perform a full range of food service duties under supervision, interfacing effectively with inmates and other Food Service staff during food preparation, service and related tasks.

Candidates meeting employment standards will be invited to an online examination window opening October 14, 2026. The role emphasizes safety, accuracy in meal preparation, and reliable operation of kitchen equipment.

Qualifications

• One year of food service experience
• Possession of a current nationally recognized food handler certification can substitute for 6 months of experience
• May require a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and County driver authorization
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral and written)
• Basic arithmetic including fractions
• Be organized and able to work independently

Responsibilities

• Prepares, packages, and portions meals; delivers, distributes, serves, and stores food on an assigned shift or areas
• Prepares menu items for inmates and staff meals, special diets, and catering
• Performs routine cleaning of preparation and service areas, ware, equipment, floors, and sanitation tasks
• Manages storage, distribution and inventory of food items and meal carts
• May drive a truck to deliver food and supplies to outlying buildings or facilities
• Provide excellent customer service; maintain safety and security as required by policy
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker
• Performs other related duties as required

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Food handling knowledge

Kitchen equipment operation

Organization

Job description

Under supervision, to perform a full range of food service duties, and the ability to effectively interact with inmates and other Food Service staff performing food service duties in the Department of Correction Food Service Unit.

Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an on-line examination tentatively scheduled for a seven day window that opens October 14, 2026.

Want to hear from employees who really enjoy the work they do as part of the County's Public Safety and Justice effort and why they chose the County of Santa Clara as their employer?

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• Prepares, packages, and portions meals; delivers, distributes, serves, and stores food on an assigned shift or functional area(s);
• Prepares menu items and ingredients for inmates and staff meals, special diets, and catering, as required;
• Performs routine cleaning, including break down of preparation and service areas, tray service ware and cart washing, equipment cleaning, floor and drain maintenance, and other cleaning duties;
• Performs storage, distribution and inventory functions, such as; loading, unloading, moving, organizing, rotating and storing food items, meals, food supplies, and meal carts;
• May drive a truck to deliver food and food related supplies to outlying buildings or other facilities;
• Provide excellent customer service;
• Maintain safety and security as required by departmental policy;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Any combination of education, training and experience that demonstrate the ability to perform the above typical tasks and the knowledge and abilities listed below.

Training and Experience Note

The required knowledge and abilities to perform this function are acquired through one (1) year of food service experience.

Preparing food in large quantity is desirable.

Possession of a current nationally recognized food handler certification can be substituted for 6 months of the required experience.

May require the possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of

• Current food preparation and serving practices;
• Safe food handling techniques;
• Proper and safe use of kitchen equipment;
• Kitchen cleaning and sanitation methods;
• Fundamental arithmetic including fractions.

Ability to

• Assist in food preparation, service and kitchen procedures specific to the operation;
• Maintain and keep secure small and large scale food service tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner;
• Maintain and keep secure cleaning equipment and agents in a safe and efficient manner;
• Ensure that immediate and surrounding work areas are safe, and free of actual or potential hazards;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in written English;
• Read, understand, interpret, follow and apply written and oral directions, and follow instructions in English;
• Give clear instructions and guide inmate workers in the performance of food service duties;
• Assist in providing job task orientation to co-workers as necessary;
• Demonstrate manual dexterity, and complete work in a timely and efficient manner;
• Be organized and employ cost effective practices;
• Work effectively and independently;
• Remain calm and perform work in demanding situations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population;
• Exercise discretion and good judgement in the performance of duties;
• Provide excellent customer service;
• Promote teamwork and good will.

Perform a variety of manual tasks, which require an ability to squat, climb, bend, twist, grasp, push/pull, reach overhead, perform frequent and/or repetitive motions, stand, and walk for long periods, work at an expeditious pace, function in various temperature conditions, and lift and carry object up to 50 pounds.