Correctional Officer/Youth Rehab Food Service Specialist I

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The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) recognizes its employees are a highly valued resource. For that reason we are now providing  monetary recruitment incentives to new DOC employees in accordance to the DOC Employee Signing Bonus Program.

The program provides recruitment incentives as follows:

• $3,000 Signing Bonus to new graduating cadets in the Correctional Officer Series. This bonus will be paid in two installments: $1,500 upon graduation from Correctional Officer Employee Initial Training (CEIT) and $1,500, 18 months from the initial date of employment.

NOTE: You may get more information during the hiring process. This program is administered by the Department of Correction Bureau of Administrative Services.  The program may be terminated by the Department of Correction at any time with or without notice.

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).
6. At least 19 1/2 years of age.  

 Writing Exercise: A writing exercise will be given at the time of interview.

Incumbents working four or more hours of work between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. the following day will receive 5% shift differential pay. 

The Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) program is approved by the Veterans Administration of Delaware State Approving Authority for the training of Veterans.

Selected incumbent’s annual base starting salary is $38,880. Upon successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course, and after being assigned to a facility, the salary will increase to $46,278.51.  Additionally the incumbent will be eligible for a 5% shift differential if he/she works four or more hours between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Prior to institutional assignment, candidates must successfully complete all phases of an eleven-week Correctional Officer Basic Course.  This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employee Development Center.  Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands-on training.  Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.

This posting may be closed on or before 3/18/20 upon filling the vacant positions.

DOC: For admission to the State of Delaware Department of Correction Academy applicants who are made a conditional offer of employment shall be required to successfully complete a criminal background check, physical ability test to demonstrate fitness for duty, an approved psychological examination,  pre-employment drug test and medical examination.  The recruiting agency requires the applicant to pay for the medical examination as part of the conditional offer of hire.

This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization).  The candidate selected for this position shall be asked to join and pay dues to the labor organization or may, decline joining the labor organization and not pay dues or a fee.  The labor organization has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other work related purposes. 

Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.

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.

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 – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

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 – An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.