Cook II - Northeast Youth Service Center

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We work with young people who are detained or committed and provide detention, custody, diagnosis, education and support to young people ages 12-20. Most of the youth served are between the ages 14 and 18. The Department promotes positive change for the youth committed to our care, and has been on the forefront of de-institutionalization, in part, by providing adolescent-focused rehabilitation to youth in residential treatment.

The Northeast Youth Service Center located at 33 Gregory Street, Middleton, MA house up to 45 youths in three 24/7 secure programs and the DYS Northeast regional administration offices. The 2-story secure-access facility contains approximately 72,000 square feet will include residential space (bedrooms and bathroom/shower facilities, classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, medical and dental rooms, a gymnasium, intake area, vehicular access sally port, perishable and dry storage and meal preparation spaces and cafeteria, security staff workstations, staff storage space, as well as the attendant mechanical and electrical support space). The campus facility also has an outdoor recreation yard with designated athletic/sports facilities and a greenhouse.

The Department of Youth Services employs staff in various professions and backgrounds in order to engage young people in strategies that support positive youth development. We are seeking an energetic, positive and dynamic individual for the role of Cook II.

For additional information about the Department of Youth Services and its programs please watch\: https\://drive.google.com/file/d/1gyP0kCJ181nBakh9Cc0pNNEyPw7kAoI6/view

The Cook II position, under the supervision of the Supervisor of Cafeteria, prepares and cooks food including meat, fish, poultry, puddings, sauces, soups, etc. according to menu and number of persons to be served; determine type and amount of ingredients which may be substituted in recipes; evaluate food for quality, quantity, appearance, temperature and taste; and perform related work as required.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive)\:

The Cook II position is responsible for the preparation of a variety of large-scale meals for residents and staff of a juvenile secure facility which includes snacks, entrees, sandwiches, desserts, salads, soups and various condiments in addition to serving the residents and staff. Incumbents of this position observe the behavior of resident youth in order to maintain the safety and security of the facility (i.e. ensuring utensils, knives, forks, spoons are counted and secured as well as other kitchen equipment). Additionally, this position is responsible for supervising residents in the kitchen when conducting vocational training.

The Cook II position will also be responsible for\:

• Order all food for the facility and maintaining an accurate inventory.
• Cleanliness of the kitchen/food service area on a daily basis.
• Maintain the safety and security of juveniles/ residents in DYS custody as well as the safety and security of the building.
• Perform the physical requirements of the job, i.e., administer CPR and physical interventions when necessary and according to Departmental policy and procedure, etc.

Required Qualifications\:

• Ability to establish a good working relationship with others and staff.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Willingness to adhere to DYS Policies and Procedures.
• Obtain Serve Safe certification.
• Follow directions, oral and written.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment.
• Ability to work in a juvenile corrections facility.
• Ability to work and train youths in Culinary Arts.
• Maintain open communication with staff and residents.
• Understand the basic food sanitation codes and proper serving procedures.
• Possess basic knowledge of Health and Safety Codes and knowledge of the proper quality, appearance and conditions of food.
• Based on assignment, possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

Hours To Be Worked\: 40

Days Off\: Sundays and Mondays

Shift\: 1st Shift 11\:00 AM – 7\:00 PM

Special Qualifications\:

Candidate must be flexible and have reliable transportation.

Minimum Age Requirement\: 21 years.

About the Department Of Youth Services\:

As the Juvenile Justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department of Youth Services promotes positive change in the youth in our care and custody. Our mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in our care. We achieve our mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families, and communities in strategies that support positive youth development. For more information please go to\: https\://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services .

Pre-Offer Process\:

Minimum Age Requirement\: 21 years.

Pre-Employment Requirements\:

Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes\:

• 1) Drug Screening
• 2) Psychological Screening
• 3) Medical Examination
• 4) Physical Abilities Test (PAT) for direct care positions.

If you would like more information, please logon to the DYS website www.mass.gov/dys to access detailed information on the Pre-Employment process.

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http\://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please the contact the Office of Human Resources at ... and select option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements\:

Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the preparation and cooking of food in a hotel, restaurant, cafeteria, catering firm, government or private institution, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions\:

I. A diploma or certificate from a recognized trade, technical or vocational school, at high school level or higher, with a major in culinary arts, food services or food trades may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.

Special Requirements\: None

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Tell us about a friend who might be interested in this job. All privacy rights will be protected. Apply for a Job
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