Cook

Description

Under direction, to prepare, cook, and serve food in small or large quantities in a County facility or institution. 

Candidates who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online examination tentatively scheduled for December 18, 2024 to December 23, 2024.

COVID-19 Risk Tier – Department-specific determination based on each specific position.

Typical Tasks

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Prepares, cooks, and serves a wide variety of foods, including special diet foods;
• Apportions meals based on recipe and uses applicable serving instruments;
• Cooks meals to order;
• Prepares required quantities with minimal waste; stores and utilizes leftovers appropriately;
• Bakes items in small volumes;
• Prepares food orders for delivery;
• Operates industrial kitchen equipment;
• Complies with health and safety procedures regarding sanitary conditions of the work environment, food preparation, serving, and storage;
• Monitors and keeps written or electronic record of temperature for food safety;
• Ensures the equipment, utensils, and work environment are orderly, clean, and safe and safe food handling techniques are used;
• Inspects and organizes the work area for safety; monitors and ensures proper safety and security practices are in place and maintained;
• Inspects equipment used in preparing food to ensure optimum working condition; reports on equipment failure and/or issues to the supervisor and/or appropriate parties;
• Inventories, orders, receives, delivers, and stores food and supplies; maintains documentation of food and supplies;
• Prepares reports and documents;
• Updates staff on changes in legislation, policies, and procedures and other agency requirements; keeps management informed;
• Fulfills various administrative duties;
• May plan, instruct, and assign cooking activities and tasks related to food service;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through completion of high school or equivalent,

and

Three (3) years of experience in the preparation and cooking of a variety of food in an institutional kitchen establishment, such as a hospital, juvenile detention center, prison facility, military installation, or at a large table-service restaurant or hotel.

Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• Possession of valid certificates related to food production at time of application is preferred.
• As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and general and specialized equipment used in the preparation and cooking of a variety of food in large quantities; 
• Methods of food preparation and organization; including serving practices, safe food handling, and storage measures and techniques;
• Kitchen sanitation and safety and the cleaning and care of utensils and equipment;
• Preventative controls for food safety, including hazard safety;
• Quantity and quality standards of food production and service;
• Proper holding temperatures;
• Preparing special diets, such as low sodium, sugar-free, etc.;
• Principles and practices of customer service;
• Principles and practices of menu standardization and large-scale production;
• Principles and practices of leadership and schedule management;
• Basic arithmetic, including food measurement and calculations;
• Basic knowledge of computer usage;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Department specific policies and procedures;
• Requirements of a food program serving a variety of clients.

Ability to:

• Follow and understand oral and written instructions in English;
• Prepare and cook food in large quantities, including special diet items;
• Read, interpret, and follow recipes and menus, including prescribed menus;
• Coordinate the preparation of meals on schedule; coordinate worker schedules;
• Follow and/or adjust formulas for food preparation in large quantities;
• Make mathematical calculations, including fractions and volume conversions;
• Convert recipes into standardized institutional recipes;
• Make appropriate substitutions, when necessary;
• Utilize cost effective practices;
• Organize and store food and kitchen items, supplies, and equipment;
• Work independently;
• Remain calm in stressful situations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Write clearly and concisely; maintain and provide written documentation and records;
• Use computers for various administrative tasks;
• Use discretion and good judgement in the performance of duties;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Give clear instructions and guide kitchen workers in the performance of food service duties;
• Follow uniform procedures of food control and processing, considering the differing needs of programs serving a variety of clients;
• Follow department specific policies and procedures;

Physical Requirements

• Perform a variety of manual dexterity tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, squatting, bending, and reaching; walk or stand for long periods of time;
• Lift and carry objects up to 40 pounds and perform duties in various temperature conditions.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

Read Full Description