JAIL FOOD SERVICES AIDE

Under immediate supervision, performs general cooking duties at the jail and is responsible for all phases of meal preparation of staff and inmate meals, including special medical and religious diets.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Directs inmate workers in the preparation and serving of food; trains inmate workers on the proper use and care of cooking equipment, cooking and sanitation methods, personal hygiene rules, and in the cleaning of the jail kitchen area to ensure compliance with state health department standards and FDA food safety guidelines.
• Prepares a variety of food, including foods for special dietary needs, such as meat, vegetables, salads, desserts and soup using various methods of cooking. prepares food items for meals by frying, baking, roasting, etc., as appropriate; prepares multiple medically modified and/or religious diets as ordered; makes appropriate menu substitutions for food allergies as ordered by medical providers. May assist in preparing and planning menus.
• Completes and reviews meal records, medical diet sheets, inventory reports, and food temperature check worksheets and enters reports in the jail management software system as required. Issues and controls kitchen tools, equipment, and food supply to maintain security procedures.
• Maintains and ensures all security of food storage areas, kitchen areas, and sharp kitchen utensils.
• Directs and trains inmate workers to serve the correct amount and type of food for tray or assembly line distribution; ensures special diets or inmates under lock-down receive designated meals.
• Follows proper procedures with sanitation, labeling, dating, and temperature taking; maintains food inventories and reorders stock as requested.
• Prepares catered meals and transports if necessary, as required by designated Sheriff’s Office staff.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, techniques, and terminology used in the preparation of food on a large scale basis.
• Knowledge of food safety related to storing temperatures, food thermometers and the handling, serving, and storage of food materials.
• Knowledge of weights and measures used to determine proper amounts of food ingredients for mass food production.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and security procedures pertaining to jail food service operations.
• Knowledge of personal conduct standards and work behavior requirements for jail inmate workers performing food service work.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other Sheriff’s Office software.
• Ability to determine the dietary values of various foods and make appropriate substitutions as necessary.
• 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.
• Skill in operating kitchen machinery.
• Ability to oversee and direct the work of others.
• Ability to operate, maneuver, steer equipment and/or machinery required, such as ovens, stoves, steamers, mixers, etc.
• Ability to perform basic mathematics related to measuring or weighing proper amounts of food.
• Ability to make routine decisions, in accordance with rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to keep simple, clear records.
• Ability to perform work involving the frequent lifting of pots, pans, and boxes or objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work for long periods of time in a standing position.
• Ability to work in a high stress, time sensitive work environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with other county employees using courtesy, patience, and tact.

Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent, and
• Formal training in food service and meal preparation, and
• Six to twelve months of experience in mass food production commercial, military, hospital, or institutional food service setting, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Special Requirement:

• Candidate must complete the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Basic Jail School within one year of hire and maintain required annual Polk County Sheriff’s Office training.
• Candidate must pass a post-offer employment physical exam and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• Candidate must obtain and maintain ServSafe sanitation certification or equivalent within two months of hire.
• Candidate must complete a basic food allergen training within six months of hire.
• 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.