Cook II - Southeast Region/Brewster

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking dynamic, positive, service-minded individual with culinary experience to fill the role of Cook II located at the Brewster location - Southeast Region. The selected candidate will be responsible for the preparation of a variety of large-scale meals and snacks for the residents and staff of the Brewster Treatment facility. The incumbent will also observe and monitor residents' behavior, ensure that all kitchen equipment and utensils are secured and accounted for, as well as supervision of residents in the kitchen during vocational trainings.
For additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs please watch: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Prepare food in quantities according to menu and number of person to be served adjusting recipes as needed to produce required amounts.
• Evaluate food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste through observation and tasting in order to determine if it is fresh, properly portioned and prepared correctly.
• Assist in maintaining an accurate inventory; ordering of food for the facility.
• Operate and/or use kitchen equipment such as cutlery, grinders and slicers to portion and/or prepare food for cooking.
• Ensure cleanliness of the kitchen/food service area on a daily basis including basic food sanitary codes and proper serving procedures as well as Inspect work storage areas for compliance with sanitation codes.
• Contribute to the safety and security of residents in DYS custody as well as the safety and security of the building.
• Observe the conduct and behavior of residents; especially while in the cafeteria.
• Determine type or amount of ingredients which may be substituted in or omitted from recipes without altering taste, appearance or quality.
• Measure and mix ingredients according to recipe using kitchen utensils and equipment, in order to prepared soups, salads, desserts, dressings, gravies, sauces, stews, etc.
• Roast, fry, boil, broil and season meat, fish, poultry, vegetables and other food required for daily meals.
• Provide on-the-job training for new employees in order to teach cooking skills and ensure compliance with safety, sanitary and food preparations.
• Administer CPR and physical interventions when necessary and according to Departmental policy and procedure.

Required Qualifications:

• Proficient in the standard methods, techniques, safety practices and procedures in food handling, storage, preparation cooking and serving.
• Understanding of the effects of time, temperature, and weather conditions on food as well as methods and techniques for preserving food.
• Experience in the types and uses of utensils and equipment used in food preparation and cooking such as ovens, knives, stoves, steamers, etc., including care and maintenance of such equipment.
• Knowledge of the tables of liquid and dry measurements, judging proper quality, appearance, and condition of food as well as the ability to read and interrupt recipes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Serve Safe Certified
• Ability in menu preparation and planning.
• Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Experience with the American Dietetic Association codes, symbols and abbreviations.
• Training and experience in crisis intervention, restraint training, suicide prevention, CPR, and First Aid.
• Ability to work in a juvenile corrections facility work and train youths in Culinary Arts

Schedule: Schedule: 10:30am - 6:30pm with Wednesday and Thursday off.
About the Department of Youth Services:
As the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody. Our mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in our care. We achieve our mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families, and communities in strategies that support positive youth development. For more information please go to: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services .
Pre-Offer Process:
Minimum Age Requirement: 21 years.
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes:

• 1) Drug Screening;
• 2) Psychological Screening;
• 3) Medical Examination; and
• 4) Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for direct care positions.

If you would like more information, please logon to the DYS website www.mass.gov/dys to access detailed information on the Pre-Employment process.
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants".

• Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
As part of the hiring process, the Office of Human Resources will be verifying any college-level degrees conferred to the selected candidate. Additionally, any licensure required for the position will be verified. Information provided as part of the hiring process is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form .
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the preparation and cooking of food in a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, catering firm, government or private institution, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A diploma or certificate from a recognized trade, technical or vocational school, at high school level or higher, with a major in culinary arts, food services or food trades may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.
Special Requirements: None
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.