* Disclaimer: If you have applied in the last six months, please do not reapply. Our HR Department maintains applications for six months.*
COMPANY OVERVIEW
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10 - 18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC is dedicated to providing its youth with leadership, structured care, and supervision through a balanced approach of creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. Each member of the JTDC staff is actively encouraged and supported in pursuit of creative participation, personal well-being, and professional development.
As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility contains five major departments and various offices consisting of 600 employees who serve an average daily population of 280 residents.
Cook County offers outstanding benefits, including:
* Medical Insurance* Dental Insurance* Vision Insurance* Basic Term Life Insurance* Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program* Competitive Salaries* Employee Assistance Program* Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) is currently seeking a Food Service Worker. Under the supervision of the Food Service Management staff, the Food Service Worker is responsible for tasks associated with the preparation and delivery of food to residents and staff in a safe, efficient, sanitary manner consistent with procedures regarding proper food handling, sanitation, safety, and cleaning schedules. The high-volume kitchen operation prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner for residents and serves between 1500 - 2000 meals daily.
Typical Duties
* Reviews daily menus and meal counts, ensures necessary food items are stocked and fresh, and prepares food items for use as appropriate (washing, peeling, chopping/dicing, seeding, etc.).* Follows standard recipes and uses various ingredients and seasonings to prepare cold items including salads, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages.* Utilizes various kitchen utensils, appliances, and heavy equipment in food preparation (knives, peelers, dicers, slicers, mixers, etc.).* Packs lunches for residents and staff in courtrooms.* Assists the Cooks when needed.* Loads and transports food carts to and from the designated floor units and school area.* During holidays or special occasions, may set up steam table from which to serve staff members.* Follows proper kitchen standards when cleaning/sanitizing the work area (floors, food carts, tables, kitchen utensils and equipment, dishes, and tableware, etc.).* Maintains sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.* Completes production logs to track specific information for each meal.* Assists in maintaining proper inventory levels.* Performs other duties as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
* Ability to prioritize competing demands and to be flexible, creative, proactive, and effective under pressure in a fast-paced environment.* Must possess knowledge of group dynamics and the ability to establish trust and cooperation with coworkers while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism, assertiveness, and leadership.* Highly accountable, reliable, and prompt, with a strong work ethic.* Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.* Bilingual communication skills preferred.
Working Conditions
* Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and require safe physical management skills* Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders.* Exposure to youths with various states of cleanliness and hygiene.* Exposure to various health related conditions or residents of a communicable nature which requires precaution and adhering to medical instruction.* Exposure to communicable diseases of youths.
Minimum Qualifications
* High School Diploma or GED required and A.A. degree in Culinary Arts or related field preferred.* Previous high-volume institutional or commercial food service experience strongly preferred.* Skilled in the safe, sanitary, and effective handling of food, cooking utensils, and food processing equipment.* Ability to lift, push, pull, and otherwise move objects weighing at least 50 pounds.* Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods and adapt to a large kitchen environment with varying temperatures (-8 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).* Must have knowledge of basic arithmetic.* Effectively reads, listens, understands, and communicates in English (verbally and in writing).* United States citizenship.* 21 years of age at the time of application submission.
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.
Physical Requirements
[This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements.]
* Reaching, bending, and stooping to perform daily tasks.* Extended periods of walking throughout the facility.* Extended periods of standing.* Ability to physically lift, carry and manage weights of at least 50lbs. when handling food items.* Ability to respond to emergency situations according to JTDC policies, procedures and protocols.* Must be able to work unscheduled overtime based on departmental needs.
Hiring Requirements
* Illinois residency obtained within 90 days of date of hire.* Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check including but not limited to LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.* A result of negative from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry.* Open daily availability including weekends and holidays for any of two standard shifts, that may be subject to change (5:30 am -3:30 pm, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm) with 3 consecutive days off.* Must pass Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) screening requirements.