On-Call Cook 2 | Reentry

State of Washington; Longview (WA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedules

Comprehensive compensation packages

Training and development opportunities

The fulfillment of public service

Job summary

Washington State Department of Corrections is seeking an On‑Call Cook 2 at the Longview Reentry Center in Longview, WA. The role supports nutrition for residents, with hours varying by need and an in‑training path allowing progression from Cook 1 if qualified.

Primary duties include meal prep, portion control, inventory, and safe operation of kitchen equipment, while complying with health and safety regulations and DOC policies.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years’ cooking experience in a large‑scale food service or culinary operation.
• Completion of a course in large‑scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience.
• One (1) year as a Cook 1 in State service.
• Current food handler permit required.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the preparation and service of all food on a shift.
• Perform recipe conversions to determine quantities and meet menu requirements.
• Ensure adherence to portion control protocols.
• Maintain and track knife and tool inventory.
• Order, store, and rotate food inventories; manage supplies and equipment.
• Monitor residents and maintain safe, secure kitchen operations.

Skills

Two years cooking experience

Food safety knowledge

Following recipes

Kitchen equipment operation

Job description

Department of Corrections

Cook 2 - On-Call

Longview Reentry Center | Longview, WA

Reentry Division

Cook 1 range: $21.66 - $28.75 per hour

Cook 2 range: $23.75 - $31.74 per hour

The Department of Corrections Reentry Division is looking to hire an On‑Call Cook 2. This position is based at Longview Reentry Center in Longview, WA. Working hours will vary based on operational needs. The Cook 2 is designated as an in‑training position. Depending on qualifications, the selected candidate may be appointed at the Cook 1 level or directly at the Cook 2 level.

This recruitment may be used to fill future non‑permanent and permanent positions.

This position contributes to the agency’s mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives by planning, ordering, preparing and serving the resident population at Reentry Centers with nutritionally appropriate, quality meals that meet the recommended daily allowance as specified in the Department’s certified meal plan. Meals for residents are prepared and served in a timely manner in accordance with the applicable state and federal regulations and within the budgetary requirements. This supports the Reentry Division purpose of providing individuals with tools and resources for targeted opportunities to successfully transition back into the community by ensuring residents have nutritionally balanced, healthy, and safe food available during their transition.

The Mission of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

About the Agency

DOC’s mission is to improve public safety by positively changing lives. We lead the nation with innovative and evidence‑based practices that are aimed at reducing recidivism and improving public safety. Our employees find this profession both challenging and rewarding as they work together with law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and community members to facilitate change in incarcerated individuals’ lives. Community corrections staff experience a high degree of personal satisfaction knowing they are creating environments in which incarcerated individuals can learn to make choices that contribute to a safer society.

DOC OFFERS:

• Flexible schedules
• Comprehensive compensation packages
• Training and development opportunities
• The fulfillment of public service

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Cook 2, some of your duties will include:

Participate in the preparation and service of all food on a shift:

• Perform mathematical calculations by converting recipes to determine the appropriate quantity of food products required to meet menu requirements and populations to be served.
• Ensure adherence to appropriate portion control protocols.
• Check food product during and after preparation, ensuring appropriate quality standards are met and adequate quantity has been prepared.
• Understand and apply rethermalization of food process/procedures if appropriate.
• Practice and perform progressive cooking techniques for quality control and to decrease waste within the food service area.
• Follow basic safety practices to preclude hazards and accidents.
• Prepare special diets as required (medical or religious).
• Maintain and model the highest standards of personal hygiene.
• Keep work surfaces and equipment clean and in compliance with state and local Health Department sanitation standards.
• Follow basic safety practices to avoid hazards and accidents.
• Maintain and track knife and tool inventory.

Perform ordering, inventory, storage, use and reporting tasks:

• Maintain and organize accurate food inventories and ensure rotation of stock items to prevent spoilage and pilferage.
• Receive, store and distribute raw and prepared or prepackaged food products in accordance with required standards.
• Receive, store and use chemicals and cleaning supplies appropriately.
• Prepare and submit work orders/equipment repair orders.

Monitor residents, ensure safe and secure operations:

• Execute and maintain tool control processes according to DOC policy.
• Maintain key control per DOC policy.
• Ensure safe handling, operation, care, use and cleaning of kitchen equipment

*Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Two (2) years’ cooking experience in a large‑scale food service or culinary operation. Completion of a course in large‑scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience

- OR –

One (1) year as a Cook 1 in State service

Current food handler permit required.

Ability to:

• Cook a variety of foods
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Write clearly, factually, and concisely
• Read, understand, estimate quantities and follow recipes with minimal waste
• Effectively communicate verbally
• Schedule and organize daily work
• Operate and demonstrate the safe handling and operation of kitchen equipment, e.g., mixers, ovens, choppers, slicers, grills, steam kettles
• Role model appropriate behavior to residents
• Supervise, coach, train, and provide constructive feedback to residents in general kitchen operational practices

Knowledge of:

• A variety of foods
• Alternate food preparation methods i.e., cook/chill and cook/freeze
• Basic arithmetic, e.g., adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing
• Food service practices, food preparation, and production methods and procedures
• Food service record keeping
• HACCP protocols, practices, and tools for food service

Understanding of:

• Weighs and measures and differentiate between applications
• Rethermalization of food process/procedures

To qualify as a Cook 1 in‑training:

• Current food handler permit
• One year of experience in food preparation or cooking, in an institutional or commercial food service setting.

*Completion of a course in large‑scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Three (3) or more years’ cooking experience in a large‑scale food service or culinary operation

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment

• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Complete a felony disclosure form prior to employment and submit to a criminal background check.
• Successfully complete, within mandated timeframes, employee orientation and all other mandatory annual, in‑service and other required training.
• Provide physical residential address and home telephone number to the Department of Corrections.
• Become familiar and comply with all Department policies and procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreements as applicable.
• Submit to drug testing in accordance with Collective Bargaining Agreement and agency policy.

Supplemental Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission:Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment:To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values

1. Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
2. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
3. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well‑being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
4. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
5. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.
• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non‑related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol‑free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre‑employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self‑defense and/or de‑escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I‑9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E‑Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM‑Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• Represented position: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

What We Offer:

As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work‑life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

PERS:State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [e-mail] or call us at 360-515-2470. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.