Cook

The Johnston County Detention Center has an immediate opening for a Cook. The Cook assists the Food Services Manager in coordinating inmates engaged in the preparation and serving of food to the inmate population. Work requires the employees to cook a variety of food items as listed upon the prescribed menu. This position works twelve hour shifts to ensure proper coverage in the preparation of all meals, maintain sanitary conditions, and supervise trustees in similar tasks.

Patience and firmness are required in frequent contacts with inmates. The employees are subject to hazards associated with food service and detention work including working in an inside environment, exposure to various hazards such as high temperatures, noise, moving mechanical parts, electrical current, and may be required to work in close quarters with inmates.

• Assists the Food Services Manager and independently participates in the preparation of a complete meal by starting the cooking process, seasoning, observing while cooking, removing when done, and placing food in warming devices.
• Secures necessary items used in the meal preparation and prepares the food for cooking.
• Supervises inmates in their assignment in the kitchen including cooking, baking, and cleaning.
• Participates in and supervises inmates in the serving and rationing of meats, vegetables, and desserts.
• Participates in and supervises the preparation of meats, vegetables, breads, cakes, desserts, and salads.
• Prepares items and may prepare special diet foods depending upon the needs of the inmates.
• Performs related duties as required.

• General knowledge of methods of preparation and cooking of food in quantity lots.
• General knowledge of the use of various pieces of cooking equipment used in commercial and institutional kitchens.
• Ability to maintain high standards of personal cleanliness, as well as food sanitation.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performance of repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Some experience in food preparation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.