Cook

Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports, foster care services, and provides subsidized childcare vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement, and programs for youth in the community.

The Division of Administration provides a wide range of support services throughout ACS to ensure all Divisions receive adequate and efficient support services to carry out their respective missions. The Division of Administration employs approximately 463 public employees and manages a Personnel Services budget of approximately $29M and an Other Than Personnel Services budget of $140M. It provides services including building maintenance, real estate, design, construction management, facilities and custodial services, occupational safety and health, operational support, security, transportation, and print production.

The Food and Nutrition Services Unit manages a food services budget of $5M for FY 2024 and is responsible for the preparation and service of food to children and youth in the care of ACS. The full-serviced kitchens serve three meals and snacks to youth housed at the Crossroads and Horizon Secure Juvenile Detention Centers and the Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center congregate facility.

About the role

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Cook, the Cook is responsible for the preparation, cooking, baking, and serving of food, including baked goods, in an institution in accordance with the New York City Food Standards, Executive Order 122, and related duties. This position requires knowledge of sanitary codes applicable to meal preparation and food handling. The Cook must provide professional and courteous service to all staff, residents, and co-workers.

Responsibilities

• Perform work of ordinary difficulty and responsibility in the preparation of food in an institution.
• Prepare and cook food following Nutritionist instructions, using standard procedures, quantity recipes, and equipment to comply with the New York City Food Standards, OCFS Regulations, and New York State Child Nutrition requirements.
• Portion out food according to departmental standards and check prepared food out of the kitchen to feeding areas.
• Ensure the cleanliness and order of the work area.
• Direct and train Institutional Aids and contracted employees by example or instruction in food preparation and sanitation to ensure proper and timely meals and sanitary conditions.
• Ensure all meals are ready at scheduled mealtimes, including breakfast for residents with early appointments, and scheduled pick-up of court lunches and prepared meals for off-site meal service.
• Ensure adequate amounts of food are prepared at all times, considering the morning census for residents plus staff count, the actual menu, and expected shrinkage.
• Bake items as required by the menu or for special occasions using standardized and approved recipes.
• Provide special or therapeutic diets for residents as directed by the Supervisor and/or Nutritionist, following exact instructions.
• Collect, collate, and compile meal count and other unit activity information onto forms or reports as requested.
• Monitor and document that food is cooked, served, and held within safe temperature ranges.
• Perform related duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Two years of cooking experience.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English and carry out simple instructions.
• For Department of Correction and Department of Juvenile Justice only: One year of experience in a correctional facility assisting in the cooking and preparation of food and performing related functions under the supervision of a Cook.

Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

Pay

$41,224.00 - $46,583.00

Additional Information

• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.
• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.