Cook 2

Organization: Youth Services – Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Agency. Contact: pamela.wilson@dys.ohio.gov. Location: 4321 Green Road, Highland Hills, OH 44128. Compensation: $21.48/hour. Schedule: Permanent full‑time, 40 hours/week. Classified position, OCSEA union. Primary skill: Food Services.

About the Organization

We are a dedicated team of juvenile justice professionals committed to transforming and saving young lives. We believe in a future where every young person thrives and contributes to a safer, stronger Ohio. DYS is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio, statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders ages 10–21 who have been adjudicated and committed by one of Ohio’s 88 county juvenile courts. During their stay, youth engage in programming designed to address their criminological and behavioral needs. DYS reaches thousands of youth in facilities and on parole.

Our values:

• Connection: We respect everyone. We don’t tear them down.
• Collaboration: We work together. We don’t go alone.
• Commitment: We step up. We don’t give up.
• Correction: We create change. We don’t stay the same.

Responsibilities

As a Cook, you will work under the direction of the Food Service Manager. This position requires thorough knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, storage, and operation of food service equipment to prepare, cook, and serve food. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provide work direction and training to youth workers and youth apprentices in food preparation, sanitation, and storage for the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility (CHJCF).
• Monitor service lines, loading of carts, storage of foods, and general cleaning.
• Work all stations on a rotating basis: cooking, dish washing, wiping down tables, serving line, sweeping and mopping floors.
• Operate commercial/standard kitchen equipment to cook food.
• Mix salads and make desserts, dressings, and breads; prepare hot and cold beverages and special menu foods.
• Slice meat and cheese; make sandwiches; assemble fruit plates and relish trays.
• Clean and cut vegetables and meats before cooking and mixing.
• Clean work area, equipment, and utensils; ensure safety and sanitation of assigned area.
• Operate cash register; prepare daily paperwork.
• Supervise youth workers assigned to work area; follow youth general safety and security procedures.
• Set up food line and portions in compliance with established dietary requirements.
• Set up food carts according to daily recipes for the food preparation area.

Qualifications

• Formal education in arithmetic including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Six months of training or six months of experience in food preparation, sanitation, storage, and use of food service equipment in an institutional, school, or restaurant setting.
• Or equivalent of the Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Skills

• Food Service
• Customer Service
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Adaptability

Compensation

Starting hourly rate: $21.48 (Pay Range 5, OCSEA Step 1). New Cooks receive their first pay increase after six months of employment. Progression:

• At Hire (Step 1): $21.48/hr – $44,678 annually
• 6 Months (Step 2): $22.04/hr – $45,843 annually
• 18 Months (Step 3): $22.59/hr – $46,987 annually
• 30 Months (Step 4): $23.28/hr – $48,422 annually
• 42 Months (Step 5): $23.65/hr – $49,192 annually

Schedule

Permanent full‑time, 40 hours per week.

Benefits

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. Eligible full‑time and part‑time employees receive a variety of quality, competitive benefits. For a complete list, visit the Total Rewards website. Highlights include:

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after eligibility period
• Paid time off: vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, etc.)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Benefits eligibility depends on several factors; the agency contact can provide specifics for this position.

Training

All new hires must complete a paid, mandatory 6‑week pre‑service training:

• Week 1: at the facility.
• Weeks 2–4: at DYS Training Academy in Orient, Ohio, Monday–Thursday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm (travel, lodging, and meals provided).
• Weeks 5–6: on‑the‑job training at the facility.

Background Check

The final candidate will undergo a criminal background check and pre‑employment drug screening. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify an applicant; an individual assessment will be made before any exclusion. DYS is a “qualifying employer” for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Additional Information

• ADA Statement: Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State provides access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in accordance with the ADA and other applicable laws.
• Drug‑Free Workplace: The State of Ohio prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational/non‑medical cannabis). This position may be subject to additional restrictions under the State of Ohio Drug‑Free Workplace Policy