JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT - KITCHEN - COOK

County of El Paso; TX R14 WELS (ME); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in El Paso is seeking a dedicated Food Service Worker to prepare and serve meals in compliance with USDA Child Nutrition standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in food service operations, strong customer service skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. This role requires adherence to safety regulations and teamwork to ensure quality meal production. Candidates must be willing to work non-traditional hours and participate in training programs.

Qualifications

• At least one year of work experience in large food service operations.
• Knowledge of food preparation guidelines and health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and serves meals following standardized recipes.
• Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen areas.
• Documents food temperatures and manages food inventory.

Skills

Bilingual (Spanish/English)

Customer Service

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Acceptable Experience and Education

High school diploma or equivalent and at least one (1) year of work experience in large food service operations, preferably in an institutional setting, or any equivalent combination of experience and training providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Bilingual (Spanish/English) is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, and Other Requirements

Access to the County’s network and systems requires a personal mobile smart device by the start date. Must have a telephone and report residence. Experience with meal production regulations set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child Nutrition Program and the City of El Paso Department of Public Health is required. Must have a current Food Handler's Permit. Wears approved staff uniform including non-slip black safety shoes. Must possess or obtain a valid driver’s license by the date of hire with an acceptable driving record. Proof of automobile liability insurance is required.

Essential Duties

1. Prepares and serves meals following standardized recipes and using commercial equipment.
2. Adheres to post-meal serving times and maintains Food Production Records.
3. Cooks menu items in specified quantities as per Food Production Records.
4. Ensures meals meet USDA Child Nutrition standards for balance and nutrition.
5. Operates kitchen tools and equipment safely.
6. Monitors equipment gauges to ensure proper functioning.
7. Manages kitchen responsibilities when designated as the “Cook”.
8. Records food quantities prepared and leftovers, and stores food with proper labeling.
9. Documents food temperatures and conditions, manages food inventory, and performs food rotation (FIFO).
10. Maintains cleanliness and sanitation of kitchen areas and equipment.
11. Ensures safe handling and storage of chemicals.
12. Communicates equipment issues, menu needs, and inventory concerns to supervisors.
13. Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates teamwork and commitment.
14. Maintains security of kitchen tools and reports breaches or issues.
15. Performs periodic inspections and substitutes during absences to ensure continuity.
16. Participates in training and mentoring to develop leadership and technical skills.

Other Important Duties

Performs additional duties as assigned, maintains a safe workplace, and is available for non-traditional hours including holidays and emergencies as part of the County’s Disaster Response System.

Physical Demands

Regular walking, standing, reaching, kneeling, and handling; occasional climbing or crawling; pushing/pulling and lifting up to 50 pounds; specific vision requirements include close vision and focus adjustment.

Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: food preparation guidelines, operation of kitchen equipment, USDA Child Nutrition standards, health and safety regulations, and basic computer skills.

Skills/Abilities to: follow dietary instructions, perform arithmetic calculations for food prep, interpret laws and regulations, use virtual training platforms, maintain effective relationships, adapt to changes, and uphold confidentiality and punctuality. Must pass a criminal background check.

Additional professional skills include attendance, teamwork, respectful communication, confidentiality, positive support, and customer service excellence.

Organizational Relationships

Reports to: Culinary Supervisor. This is a non-supervisory role with contact with staff and juveniles.

Work Environment

Kitchen setting with exposure to extreme temperatures, noise, and moving machinery. The description provides a general overview and is not exhaustive of all responsibilities.