Cook

Job Summary

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Do you have experience in the food industry? Are you looking for work that is meaningful and makes an impact? Are you interested in learning about working in and preparing meals for a juvenile detention facility? If so, Travis County Juvenile Probation Department (TCJPD) is now accepting applications for part-time Cook positions. These positions will work up to 24 hours per week.

TCJPD Cooks perform service work of preparing, cleaning and cooking a variety of foods using standardized or revised recipes under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). All work is performed using appropriate safety procedures. The food you prepare will be served to the juvenile residents to ensure they are getting proper and nutritious meals. Under close supervision, performs service work of preparing, cleaning and cooking a variety of foods using standardized or revised recipes. Performs all work using appropriate safety procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a job classification within the Maintenance job family. This classification is responsible for routine food preparation and kitchen work. This classification may require work in secure facilities. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

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• Plans, prepares and cooks meats, soups, vegetables, sauces and gravies, salads and desserts. Checks food for appearance and taste.
  
• Serves meals using proper portion control and acceptable methods of serving. Carves and displays meats, vegetables, salads and desserts. Plans for proper utilization of overproduced foods.
  
• Operates, cleans, and maintains cooking utensils and related equipment used in the preparation of meals. Ensures equipment is operational. Maintains cleanliness and safe working conditions in the kitchen area in accordance with Health Department standards.
  
• Ensures proper storage of food and supplies. Stores and rotates perishable and nonperishable food. Monitors inventory of food supply. Sets dishes and dining room equipment in proper storage. Receives and monitors kitchen deliveries.
  
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
  

Minimum Requirements

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Education and Experience:

One (1) year of increasingly responsible food preparation experience in a food service facility;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

Food Handler's Registration as issued by the Austin/Travis County Health Human Services Department or by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Preferred:

Food Service Manager Certificate as issued by the Texas Board of Health.

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Methods of preparing and storing food in large volumes.
  
• Methods of preparing modified and calculated diets.
  
• Health, sanitation, nutritional and safety practices involved in food preparation.
  
• General office/clerical practices and procedures.
  

Skill in:* Using and cleaning equipment and materials for food preparation.

• Both verbal and written communication.
  

Ability to:* Exercise judgment and initiative in estimating food quantities.

• Work independently and efficiently.
  
• Manage time well and meet timelines.
  
• Determine appropriate procedures, methods, and priorities for completing assigned work.
  
• Follow, understand and carry out verbal and written instruction and/or directions.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.
  

Work Environment & Other Information

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Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination. Subject to standing, walking, sitting, repetitive motion, reaching, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing, pulling, balancing, reaching, twisting to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Schedule varies - shift work 5:30am to 1:30pm or 11am to 7pm up to 24 hours

Works some holidays, Works some weekends

Location: 2515 South Congress Ave. Austin, TX

78704

Department: Juvenile Probation

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

Physical Exam, Drug Test, Alcohol Test

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

You must ensure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position. Only periods of employment and experience detailed in the "Work Experience" section of the application will be considered in determining which applicants move forward in the selection process, as well as determining pay level for candidate(s) recommended for hire.