Washington State

Description

Cook 2 (Cook 1 in-training) Permanent

(On-call positions available)

Bellingham Reentry Center - Bellingham, WA

Salary Range: $3,243.00 - $4,620.00

The salary amount listed does not reflect increases effective July 1, 2025.

Our agency is looking to hire a full-time Cook 2 position within the Reentry Division. This position is based at Bellingham Reentry Center in Bellingham, WA. The hours of work for this position are 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Days off are Thursday, Sunday, and Monday. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple on-call Cook vacancies.

The Mission of the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.

This position contributes to the agency’s mission to improve public safety by positively changing lives by planning, ordering, preparing and serving the resident population at Reentry Centers with nutritionally appropriate, quality meals that meet the recommended daily allowance as specified in the Department’s certified meal plan. Meals for residents are prepared and served in a timely manner in accordance with the applicable state and federal regulations and within the budgetary requirements. This supports the Reentry Division purpose of providing individuals with tools and resources for targeted opportunities to successfully transition back into the community by ensuring residents have nutritionally balanced, healthy, and safe food available during their transition.

A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three (3) Professional References (to include valid contact phone number and email address for each)

Duties

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Cook 2, some of your duties will include:

Participate in the preparation and service of all food on a shift:

• Perform mathematical calculations by converting recipes to determine the appropriate quantity of food products required to meet menu requirements and populations to be served.
• Ensure adherence to appropriate portion control protocols.
• Check food product during and after preparation, ensuring appropriate quality standards are met and adequate quantity has been prepared.
• Understand and apply rethermalization of food process/procedures if appropriate.
• Practice and perform progressive cooking techniques for quality control and to decrease waste within the food service area.
• Follow basic safety practices to preclude hazards and accidents.
• Prepare special diets as required (medical or religious).
• Maintain and model the highest standards of personal hygiene.
• Keep work surfaces and equipment clean and in compliance with state and local Health Department sanitation standards.
• Follow basic safety practices to avoid hazards and accidents .
• Maintain and track knife and tool inventory.

Perform ordering, inventory, storage, use and reporting tasks:

• Maintain and organize accurate food inventories and ensure rotation of stock items to prevent spoilage and pilferage.
• Receive, store and distribute raw and prepared or prepackaged food products in accordance with required standards.
• Receive, store and use chemicals and cleaning supplies appropriately.
• Prepare and submit work orders/equipment repair orders.

Monitor residents, ensure safe and secure operations:

• Execute and maintain tool control processes according to DOC policy.
• Maintain key control per DOC policy.
• Ensure safe handling, operation, care, use and cleaning of kitchen equipment
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Two (2) years’ cooking experience in a large-scale food service or culinary operation. Completion of a course in large-scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience

• OR –

One (1) year as a Cook 1 in State service

Current food handler permit required.

To qualify as a Cook 1 in-training:

• Current food handler permit
• One year of experience in food preparation or cooking, in an institutional or commercial food service setting.
• Completion of a course in large-scale cooking may be substituted for one year of experience.

Ability to:

• Cook a variety of foods
• Follow written and oral instructions
• Write clearly, factually, and concisely
• Read, understand, estimate quantities and follow recipes with minimal waste
• Effectively communicate verbally
• Schedule and organize daily work
• Operate and demonstrate the safe handling and operation of kitchen equipment, e.g., mixers, ovens, choppers, slicers, grills, steam kettles
• Role model appropriate behavior to residents
• Supervise, coach, train, and provide constructive feedback to residents in general kitchen operational practices

Knowledge of:

• A variety of foods
• Alternate food preparation methods i.e., cook/chill and cook/freeze
• Basic arithmetic, e.g., adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing
• Food service practices, food preparation, and production methods and procedures
• Food service record keeping
• HACCP protocols, practices, and tools for food service

Understanding of:

• Weights and measures and differentiate between applications
• Rethermalization of food process/procedures

Supplemental Information

Vision: Working together for safer communities.

Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.

Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

For more information about our agency, visit our Mission & Vision.

The WA State Department of Corrections (DOC) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This recruitment may be used to fill more than one position. If this position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), this recruitment may be used to fill additional positions up to sixty days after all listed positions have been filled.
• References: A minimum of three professional references with a valid email and phone number for each is required. Although current and recent supervisors are preferred, a professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
• Salary is based on skills and abilities that apply to the primary functions of the role and/or years of experience and is decided at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes steps A-M, or A-U if a registered nurse (RN). Within your permanent salary range, step M (or step U if an RN) is a longevity step, it is typically gained six years after being assigned to step L (or step T if an RN).
• Work with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals: This position may work directly with or near incarcerated or supervised individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Take this into account before applying.
• Background and criminal record history checks will be conducted prior to employment. Information gathered may not preclude employment, but it will be considered in determining your suitability for the position.
• Pre-employment drug test: A drug test may be administered as part of the pre-employment process. Applicants who test positive for a controlled substance may be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure you could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within sixty days of the date of hire. If the test result is positive, further information, testing, and treatment will be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure you could expect in this position.
• Respiratory protection: This position may require a respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
• Verification Form I-9: The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of Form I-9’s list of acceptable documents. Note: DOC does not use E-Verify. We are not able to partake in STEM Optional Practice Training (OPT).
• Foreign equivalent degrees: If your degree was awarded outside the United States, you may be required to provide a credential evaluation report if your education is used to meet the minimum requirements. Request a report fromwww.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org.
• Represented position: This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• This position is not eligible for telework.

What We Offer

Your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides a generous retirement plan and comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, additional perks might include:

• Fourteen to twenty-five paid vacation days per year (depending on years of service and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement [CBA] if a represented position)
• Eight hours of paid sick leave per month
• Eleven paid holidays per year (includes one personal holiday)
• One personal leave day per year (in accordance with the CBA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
• Deferred Compensation Program (DCP)
• And more! Visit our benefits page for more information.

Retirement Options - This position is eligible for the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)

PERS: State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' website. Visit our benefits page to see more!

For questions about this recruitment or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact raven.richman@doc1.wa.gov or 360-515-2470.

For TTY service, call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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