What are the responsibilities and job description for the COOK position at DC Department of Human Resources?
Job Summary
Independently responsible for preparing meals for regular and modified diets utilizing the cook/chill method of food production. Coordinates food preparation and meal services; monitors tray line activities and instructs lower grade employees in methods and techniques of food service; prepares, seasons, cooks and serve meals; prepares meals using fresh and frozen items. Cooks food items by all methods of preparation (i.e. bake, grill, fry, stew, roast, broil, sauté etc.) Evaluates the condition of food being cooked; monitors temperature of hot and cold foods through food preparation and services; prepares meals for therapeutic and special diets. As required, drives a car, box truck or van to deliver food within the Department. Completes daily mandatory documentation and performs general housekeeping tasks.
This position IS in a collective bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through an automatic payroll deduction.
Position Designation: This position is deemed as “Safety Sensitive” pursuant to Section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying safety sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:
First Screening: May 17, 2026
Duration of Appointment: Permanent
Tour of Duty: Required to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays
Licensures, Certifications And Other Requirements
Must have a valid Food Hygiene Certificate (such as ServSafe)
Must have a valid DC Department of Health Food Protection Manager ID Certification.
Must have a valid driver’s license
Education
Must possess a high school diploma or a certificate of equivalency (GED)
Work Experience
Thorough knowledge of the full range of food preparation principles, techniques and procedures in a health care dietary setting
Work Environment
Work is in a controlled environment and involves some exposure to moderate risk of accidents and requires following basic safety precautions.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE
A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, a line attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 905) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present proof of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Independently responsible for preparing meals for regular and modified diets utilizing the cook/chill method of food production. Coordinates food preparation and meal services; monitors tray line activities and instructs lower grade employees in methods and techniques of food service; prepares, seasons, cooks and serve meals; prepares meals using fresh and frozen items. Cooks food items by all methods of preparation (i.e. bake, grill, fry, stew, roast, broil, sauté etc.) Evaluates the condition of food being cooked; monitors temperature of hot and cold foods through food preparation and services; prepares meals for therapeutic and special diets. As required, drives a car, box truck or van to deliver food within the Department. Completes daily mandatory documentation and performs general housekeeping tasks.
This position IS in a collective bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through an automatic payroll deduction.
Position Designation: This position is deemed as “Safety Sensitive” pursuant to Section 410 of Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening, individuals applying for or occupying safety sensitive positions are subject to the following checks and tests:
- Criminal background check;
- Traffic record check (as applicable);
- Pre-employment drug and alcohol test;
- Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
- Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test;
- Random drug and alcohol test; and
- Return-to-duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test.
First Screening: May 17, 2026
Duration of Appointment: Permanent
Tour of Duty: Required to work rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays
Licensures, Certifications And Other Requirements
Must have a valid Food Hygiene Certificate (such as ServSafe)
Must have a valid DC Department of Health Food Protection Manager ID Certification.
Must have a valid driver’s license
Education
Must possess a high school diploma or a certificate of equivalency (GED)
Work Experience
Thorough knowledge of the full range of food preparation principles, techniques and procedures in a health care dietary setting
Work Environment
Work is in a controlled environment and involves some exposure to moderate risk of accidents and requires following basic safety precautions.
RESIDENCY PREFERENCE
A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Educational Service, Management Supervisory Service, a line attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905), or an attorney position in the Excepted Service (series 905) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present proof of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.
EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.