Jail - Cook *UP TO $3,500 SIGN ON BONUS!

NOTE: Starting pay will be based on experience.  

*SIGN-ON BONUS!* Newly hired employees to this class specification may be eligible for a sign-on bonus of UP TO $3,500! 

This bonus will be paid in two parts:

a. 50% of the bonus will be paid on the first regularly scheduled payday after the applicant becomes a Spokane County employee.

b. The remaining 50% will be paid on the first paycheck after the employee completes their first year of service as well as their probationary period.

This position performs work that involves the preparation of all food and supervision of inmates on a shift in the kitchen at either of the County's Correctional Facilities. The position allocated to this class is responsible for preparation of all food on a shift in the kitchen in either of the County's Correctional Facilities.  Work involves cooking, and supervising inmates in food handling, preparation, sanitation and service.

• Supervises inmate workers and participates in cooking, baking and other food preparation as a cook on shift.
• Participates and performs preliminary preparation necessary for next day's meals; ensures that food is of good quality and is served on time.
• Bakes pies, cakes, cookies, biscuits and prepares other desserts.
• Assists in preparing menu items and determining amount of food to meet menu requirements; and adjusts recipes for fluctuation in inmate population.
• Inspects food being prepared to ensure proper quantity, quality, and handling; instructs and trains employees and details kitchen help in sanitation, cooking, preparing, and handling food.  
• Controls waste and theft of food by inmates.
• Operates mixers, ovens, steamers, grills, food processors, steam kettles, and other food equipment.
• Receives food and nonfood related orders, and responsible for proper rotation of product.
• Directly supervises inmate workers in cleaning trays and utensils, cookware, kitchen and food storage areas.   
• Maintains facility security in the kitchen operations and accounts for inventory of all kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Supervises up to 20 inmate workers assigned to kitchen duties.
• Participates in inmate worker training; confers with supervisor regarding behavioral problems and progress of inmates under their supervision. 
• Transports food and or supplies from one facility to another facility operating a County vehicle.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.   
• One (1) year of related experience.
• Minimum age is 18.  
• Must have the ability to obtain a current Washington State Food Handler’s Permit within two (2) weeks of hire.
• Must be in good physical condition; vision with correction 20/20 and normal color vision; and normal hearing.   
• U.S. citizen, able to read and write the English language.
• PLEASE NOTE: Background inquires shall be completed prior to appointment.  The background investigation will include a polygraph examination, a psychological evaluation and a medical evaluation.
• Possession of a valid Washington Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.

• Knowledge of food management and the preparation and serving of large-scale food service for 900 or more individual.
• Knowledge of personal hygiene, food handling, sanitation, and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of care and use of kitchen utensils and equipment.
• Knowledge of adjustment of ingredients in large-scale recipes to meet changing needs.
• Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with jail inmates, jail staff and other department personnel.
• Skilled in preparation and cooking of starches, vegetables, meats, poultry, baking.
• Skilled in keeping accurate records of food use and maintaining inventory control including proper rotation of supplies.
• Skilled in operation of all food equipment listed above.
• Ability to perform above examples of duties.
• Ability to supervise the jail kitchen and maintain sanitation, care of equipment, and safety of personnel.
• Ability to establish and maintain control of 8 to 20 inmate workers according to Jail policies and procedures.
• Ability to inspect food being prepared to insure proper quantity, quality and handling.
• Ability to instruct and train new employees and detailed kitchen help in sanitation, cooking, preparing and handling food.
• Ability to establish work methods and supervise and instruct others in cooking and kitchen work 
• Ability to provide constructive atmosphere for inmate corrections.

Salary : $39,321 - $55,026