Cook (On-Call)

Hours for this position will vary.

Shifts available are 5A-1P or 10A-6P.

This position operates 7 days per week.

Number of hours per week will vary as this position is on-call based. Position is not benefits eligible.

Under immediate supervision, performs institutional cooking work involving the preparation of a large volume and variety of food, ensuring resident's meals adhere to established menus and special dietary needs; Duties include inventory management, ordering, and stocking of food and supplies as well as maintains cleanliness by sanitizing kitchen equipment and dining areas.

• Prepares a variety of foods, including foods for special dietary needs, such as meat, vegetables, salads, desserts, and soup using various methods of cooking; measures ingredients to ensure use of proper amount in recipe; operates and maintains kitchen equipment used in food preparation including oven, grill, steam table, fryer, deep fryer, slicer, mixer, grater, and blender.
• Monitors food temperature to ensure foods are served and stored at safe temperatures; stocks and retrieves food from shelves and walk in freezer/refrigerator; sanitizes kitchen equipment, appliances, utensils, floors, walls, counters, tables, trays, and food carts to comply with health and safety regulations.
• Serves portions food items on trays or assembly line in order to serve the correct amount and type of food.
• Assists in maintaining safety and security by monitoring resident movements, accounting for kitchen equipment, utensils, and supplies to prevent removal by unauthorized persons; observes surroundings and activities to identify and report unusual or suspicious activities; identifies and reports any potential safety hazards or breaches in security.
• May assist in preparing and planning menus, and/or assist with some aspects of ordering food and supplies.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices used in the preparation of food on a large-scale basis.
• Knowledge of food safety related to handling and storage of foods, serving and storing temperatures, and reading food thermometers.
• Familiarity with USDA dietary standards and child nutrition requirements.
• Proficient in the methods used for the preparation of different cuts of meat whereby shrinkage is held to a minimum.
• Skill in preparing wholesome appetizing meals.
• Ability to read and follow written recipes, menus, instructions, manuals, and procedures.
• Ability to measure food ingredients using scales, cups, and spoons.
• Ability to determine the dietary values of various foods.
• Ability to adjust quantities for varying numbers of people and substitute ingredients.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of kitchen appliances including oven grill, steam table, fryer, deep fryer, slicer, mixer, grater, and blender.
• Ability to safely operate an agency van.
• Ability to utilize proper hygiene methods.
• Ability to direct the work of others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers other staff, and youth, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.
• Ability to work under hot, humid, or cold conditions and inclement weather.
• Ability to stand on hard surfaces for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and carry food, supplies, boxes, tables, and other material weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to push and pull materials weighing up to 70 lbs.
• Ability to perform repetitious bending, stooping, twisting, and/or rotating while preparing meals, stocking supplies, and loading and unloading supplies.
• Ability to use repetitious hand and wrist movements in food preparation including mixing, blending, stirring, dicing, slicing, and cutting as well as while lifting pots, pans, or dishes.
• Ability to remain mentally and visually alert to identify potential safety and security problems.
• Formal training in food service or meal preparation, and
• Six to twelve months of experience in a large or medium scale institutional food service operation, or
• Any equivalent combination of education/experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical exam and physical capacity examination to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• Candidate must pass a Criminal History Record Check through the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and a Child/Adult Abuse Record Check through the Iowa Department of Human Services as defined in the State of Iowa licensing and approved standards (IAC 441, Chapter 105).
• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to work overtime with minimal advance notice.

Polk County is committed to providing a diverse work environment that is representative, at all levels, of the citizens we serve. Equal opportunities are available to all applicants and current employees regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, citizenship status, mental or physical disability, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Polk County believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical to our success in serving and empowering our community and to our continued commitment to be one of the nation's most innovative public institutions.