Food Service Lead - Cook Coordinator

This position provides guidance, instruction, and direction to incarcerated workers in the preparation, presentation, handling, serving, and clean-up of daily meals in the food services area to ensure facility meals meet quality and nutrition standards and service timelines. Responsible for monitoring and adhering to safety and sanitation standards within the food services area while maintaining a secure environment.

Up to five (5) positions may be filled by consideration of all applicants to this job posting. Four (4) positions are available at MCF-Moose Lake and one (1) position is available at MCF-Willow River. Applicants will have the option to designate their preference(s) at the time of interview.

About the Locations

MCF-Moose Lake is in the small town of Moose Lake, MN, with a city population of 2,565. The facility is a major employer in the area, originating as a state hospital in 1937 before transitioning to a Minnesota Correctional Facility in 1988. We boast a small-town atmosphere that is welcoming to all, whether from the area or commuting. Our desire is to train and empower our staff to find their passion within the confines of the facility or work done for the DOC.

Shifts available at MCF-Moose Lake include:

• 4:30 am - 12:30 pm | Sunday - Thursday with Friday/Saturday days off
• 11:30 am - 7:30 pm | Sunday - Thursday with Friday/Saturday days off
• 4:30 am - 12:30 pm | Tuesday - Saturday with Sunday/Monday days off
• 11:30 am - 7:30 pm | Tuesday - Saturday with Sunday/Monday days off

MCF-Willow River is home to the Challenge Incarceration Program (CIP), a minimum-security boot camp program that allows non-violent individuals who qualify to earn early release. The culture of CIP is that of a therapeutic, purpose-driven boot camp where all staff regularly interact with the participant population, which CIP administration encourages. The Warden and administrative staff support institution staff in interacting with the institution population in a firm, fair, and consistent manner. The senior staff routinely mentor new staff, ensuring their success in their new positions. The staff value collaboration and endeavor to work together for the success of the program.

Shift available at MCF-Willow River:

• 5:00 am - 3:00 pm | Friday - Monday with Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday days off

Responsibilities

• Guide, instruct, and direct incarcerated workers in daily meal preparation, presentation, handling, serving, and clean-up.
• Ensure facility meals meet quality and nutrition standards and service timelines.
• Monitor and adhere to safety and sanitation standards within the food services area.
• Maintain a secure environment.

Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to pass a criminal history check.
• Able to read, write, and communicate verbally in English.
• Able to stand, walk, bend, carry, push, and handle items for the majority of the shift.

Minimum Qualifications

To be qualified for and considered for this position, applicants must meet one (1) of the following minimum qualifications. Ensure that your resume contains descriptions of your work experiences sufficient for comparison against the requirements below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Nine months of full-time food production experience in a high-volume cafeteria, school, hospital, fast food, restaurant, catering, etc.
• Six months of full-time experience performing cooking and food preparation in a correctional or secured environment.
• Completion of a full-time vocational/technical school program in commercial cooking or commercial food preparation.

Required Training

Applicants who do not possess a ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or equivalent) at the time of appointment must obtain certification as a requirement to successfully pass the required probation.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Experience working in a correctional or secured environment.
• Experience directing the work of others sufficient to direct incarcerated workers.
• Experience directing the work of others in a large food service setting.
• Two or more years of work experience in a large restaurant, cafeteria, school, hospital, or equivalent experience in large volume cooking and food preparation.
• Knowledge of food values, nutrition, and therapeutic diets.
• Bilingual in a Spanish, Asian, or African dialect.

Physical Requirements

The selected finalist is required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position and may be required to complete a tuberculosis screening prior to hire.

Pay

$22.79 - $31.43 / hourly; $47,585 - $65,625 / annually

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years).
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Support to help you reach your career goals, including training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, addressing mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.