Food Service Specialist I

This class describes full performance cooking applying food service principles, practices and methods for food preparation activities and acquiring a working knowledge of correctional/youth security procedures and techniques.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. 

• Applies food service principles, practices and methods governing food preparation activities such as food handling, proper storage and temperature control, cleaning of kitchen equipment and utensils to comply with safety and sanitary standards.
   
• Instructs inmate food service workers in the operation of various commercial kitchen equipment such as dishwashers, ovens, toasters, meat slicers, choppers, deep fryers, food processors, steam pots, blenders, and mixers.
   
• Instructs inmates/youth food service workers in food preparation, cooking, safe food and storage handling.
   
• Supervises inmates/youths in their kitchen assignments, directing their activities and establishing a positive working relationship.
   
• Maintains a positive supportive relationship with youth/inmates food service workers through appropriate use of active listening skills in providing guidance as needed.
   
• Prepares and cooks meals.
   
• Maintains control of kitchen utensils, tools and equipment.
   
• Enforces rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the institution and the department in the maintenance of discipline, order, security and housekeeping of assigned locations and staff.
   
• Enforces personal hygiene rules for inmate/youth food service workers to maintain sanitary standards.
   
• Prepares various reports and maintains accurate records.
   
• Attends various Department approved training courses.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Correctional Officer/Youth Rehab Food Service Specialist I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Six months experience in institutional or commercial cooking and baking.
3. Knowledge of proper safety, storage and sanitation standards for food items.
4. Knowledge of narrative report writing.
5. Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).

Additional Job Requirements for Department of Corrections:

1. At least 19 1/2 years of age.  

Additional Job Requirements for DSCYF:

1. At least 21 years of age.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hires Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.

Pre-employment Drug Testing:  Upon a conditional offer, you must undergo pre-employment drug testing as part of the hiring process.

Criminal background check: A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of hire.  The recruiting agency may require the applicant to pay for the criminal background check as part of the conditional offer of hire.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.  This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/

The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position.  It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties.  For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content.   Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.

Once you have submitted your application on-line, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email.  Please keep your contact information current.  You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.  To request an auxiliary aid or service please call (302) 739-5458. TDD users should call the Delaware Relay Service Number 1-800-232-5460 for assistance.

The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.