DUTY DESCRIPTION:  Supervises routine meal preparations for a large group of people and performs related work as required.  Position is located in the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, Jail and Court Services Bureau, Jail Support Division. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supervises the work of the inmate kitchen work crew for a work shift;
• Assigns work, explains work requirements, methods, and procedures;
• Reviews work performed by inmates;
• Trains and instructs inmates concerning all aspects of the work;
• Ensures meals are properly prepared and delivered to jail housing units;
• Ensures special diets are prepared in accordance with guidelines and delivered to jail housing units properly labeled and received by the appropriate inmate;
• Resolves conflicts between inmate workers;
• Takes disciplinary action against inmates as necessary;
• Makes recommendations concerning inmate’s retention on kitchen work crews to the Food Service Supervisor;
• Maintains strict control of all tools and ensures dangerous tools are properly tethered when appropriate;
• Provides proper storage of food items;
• Ensures that sanitation methods meet the requirements of the City-County Health Department; and
• Keeps accurate records of special diets and meals served.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED: 

• May plan menus considering quantities, recipes, preparation times, serving instructions, nutritional requirements, appetite appeal and efficient use of leftovers;
• May keep inventory of foodstuffs and supplies;
• May personally perform some of the more skilled cooking tasks;
• Completes incident reports on inmate behavior issues, inmate injuries and other risk management issues, as needed; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS: 

• Must be at least 19 years of age and possess a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Completion of standard high school/trade school course with instruction in institutional cookery or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in the preparation and cooking of food on a large scale as a cook is preferred;
• Knowledge of administrative and supervisory skills necessary to supervise and motivate inmate kitchen work crews;
• Knowledge of large-scale food preparation and cooking methods;
• Knowledge of health and sanitation regulations, principles and practices as they relate to food service;
• Skill in working with culturally diverse populations;
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written directions;
• Ability to keep simple records and create reports;
• Ability to display initiative and exercise good judgment and reliability;
• Ability to use sharp instruments safely;
• Ability to resolve conflicts between the inmate kitchen work crew; and
• Ability to perform the duties of this position without a direct threat to the health and safety of the incumbent or others.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must conform to all health and sanitation regulations and be food safety certified;
• Must appear before an oral board and complete a polygraph and background check prior to entrance on duty;

• This position has been designated safety sensitive and therefore the incumbent is subject to random drug testing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Requires working different shifts; 
• Must have sufficient physical ability to:  stock food; prepare, cook and serve proper meals and clean the kitchen and kitchen equipment.

Preference in appointment will be given to eligible veterans.

***Because of the Sheriff Office’s effort to create a smoke-free work environment, out of concern for the health and welfare of our employees and those with whom we work, only applications from those who do not smoke will be considered for employment. Applicants must have not smoked any tobacco products for at least eleven (11) months prior to applying.