Senior Cook-26641003

About the Position:
Positions in this class are found in the Health and Human Services Agency and Sheriff's Office. Employees are assigned to County hospitals, Sheriff's detention facilities, and/or Probation facilities. In detention facilities, persons in custody may be assigned to the kitchen area to assist with housekeeping and simple food preparation duties. In such settings, Senior Cooks may inspect, assign, or lead their work. Under general supervision, incumbents are responsible for the operation of a kitchen facility on an assigned shift, including the preparation of meals and the technical direction and training of other food services personnel assigned to the same shift.


Hiring Process and Timeline:
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon the successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Minimum Qualifications:
1.  Two (2) years of experience as a Cook for the County of San Diego, or in a large institutional kitchen preparing food for 400 persons or more per meal. Previous experience must have included preparing food and baking, as well as at least six (6) months as a lead worker of a kitchen staff;

OR,

2.  Eighteen (18) months of experience as a cook in a large institutional kitchen preparing food for 400 persons or more per meal,
AND,
completion of any college-level course in Quantity Cookery or Therapeutic Diets. Previous experience must have included preparing food and baking, and at least six (6) months as a lead worker of a kitchen staff.

Note: The possession of a valid Food Handler Training card in accordance with San Diego County Code entitled "Food Handler's Training Program" is required at the time of appointment. 

Possession of a valid Food Safety Certification in accordance with FDA Food Code 2-101.11 and California Retail Food Code 113794 is highly desirable.

Please read the job description for Senior Cook for additional information.

Working Conditions:
Work primarily takes place within the County hospitals, Sheriff's Central Production Center, locked detention facilities, and/or probation facilities. Employees may be required to work irregular business hours such as evenings, weekends, and holidays. When assigned to detention facilities, employees may work with or around persons in custody.  

The job of a Senior Cook involves:

• Standing on concrete floors daily for prolonged periods;
• Using physical strength and agility on a frequent and continual basis;
• When assigned to the Sheriff's Production Center, lifting 16-pound bags of food over the shoulders and placing the bags on conveyor belts for a period of up to seven hours per shift; and
• Frequently lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 70 pounds.

Background Investigation:
Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions may be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Before appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification (polygraph), or other examination or test.

Blind Applicant Screening:
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all new recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, will hide a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process will help contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.

Conditions of Employment: 
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening before beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Evaluation:
Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment and supplemental application. Please ensure that all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.


As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
 
Veteran's Preference Policy:
The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.  Please read the Veteran’s Preference Policy for additional information.  

Military Skills Translator:
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool. 

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov).
Disaster Service Worker:
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.