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County of El Paso, TX

JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT - KITCHEN - COOK

County of El Paso, TX, Texas City

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Salary: $40,273.12 Annually
Location : TX 79905, TX
Job Type: Full Time Regular
Job Number: 2025-00277
Department: Juvenile Probation Department
Division: Juvenile Probation Kitchen
Opening Date: 08/12/2025
Closing Date: 8/26/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
Minimum Qualifications
Acceptable Experience and Education
High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of one (1) year work experience in large food service operations preferably in an institutional setting.
Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, and other requirements
In order to access into the County's network and systems, a personal mobile smart device is required by the hire start date.
Must have telephone and report residence.
Has experience with the qualifications, requirements, and regulations of meal production as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child nutrition Program.
Must have experience with requirements and regulations set by The City of El Paso Department of Public Health.
Must have current Food Handler's Permit.
Wears approved, designated staff uniform including non-slip black safety shoes;
Must have or obtain by date of hire a valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities, with a driving record acceptable to the County of El Paso.
Proof of automobile liability insurance coverage is required.
Typical Duties
Essential Duties
Prepares and serves meals by following standardized recipes and using commercial cooking equipment;
Adheres to post meal serving times; reviews and/or prepares Food Production Records daily;
Prepares and cooks assigned menu items in specified quantities as indication on the Food Production Record;
Adheres to and follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child Nutrition requirements as meals served must be well-balanced, and nutritious;
Operates tools and equipment according to prescribed safety standards;
Monitors kitchen equipment gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure the equipment is working properly;
Is responsible for all aspects of the kitchen when designated as the "Cook" for the day;
Records quantities of foods prepared, and foods left over, on the Food Production Records;
Stores food properly using date and time labels and initials;
Documents required information on the corresponding departmental food temperature logs;
Receives and verifies food and supply deliveries with items ordered by Department and signs appropriate invoices;
Receives food inventory from vendor, ensures food temperatures and conditions meet standards;
Performs food rotation using the First-In First-Out (FIFO) method of inventory;
Maintains a clean and sanitary kitchen area at all times;
Ensures compliance with all sanitation and health codes of food handling;
Performs cleaning of dishes, ovens, shelves, utensils, and all other kitchen areas and tools;
Ensures safety and proper use of chemicals, chemical hazards, and the appropriate storage of chemicals;
Communicates and reports to Culinary Supervisor and Assistant Culinary Supervisor for equipment repair or replacement, menus for special groups, inventory issues, out of the ordinary security issues, and contingency planning when emergencies arise at the facility;
Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts;
Maintains Key Control/Security of the kitchen area;
Reports breaches of security or unsound practices;
Reports any confrontation provoked by a juvenile or staff member;
Conducts periodic mechanical inspection of kitchen equipment;
Ensures total security of kitchen utensils and tools;
Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations;
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts;
Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills
Other Important Duties
Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.
Maintains a safe and healthy workplace environment.
Must be available to work non-traditional hours 24 hours a day, 7 day a week, 365 day a year including holidays, shift work and be on call as necessary on official business.
As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.
Job Summary
The Cook under general supervision plans, organizes, prepares, and cooks all meals according to the food production records to meet menu requirements as established by the Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program and El Paso County; maintains high standards of quality in food production, kitchen sanitation, and safety practices; complies with the security standards set forth by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Secure Juvenile Pre-Adjudication Detention and Post-Adjudication Correction Facilities.
Additional Information
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and use hands to, handle, or feel; continually required to stand, reach with hands and arms; balance, stoop, kneel, crouch r; taste or smell; rarely required to climb; or crawl; frequently push and/or pull up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: food preparation instructions in accordance with the rules and guidelines set forth by local, state, and federal agencies; operate a computer, and various computer software applications; meal production as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child Nutrition Program; requirements and regulations set by the City of El Paso Department of Public Health; proper nutritional and hygienic guidelines, food production procedures, and kitchen equipment; English usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Microsoft based products.
Skill/Ability to: follow dietary list from onsite nurse and/or doctor; perform arithmetic operations involved in calculating food quantities to prepare meals accordingly, and when recipe changes occur; execute duties and interpret federal, state and county laws pertaining to public health and child nutrition; complete trainings and meetings through a virtual platform using Teams, Zoom, GOTO meetings, and any internal software system; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, team members, supervisors, juveniles and the general public; be flexible and able to adapt to a changing work environment; remain compliant with departmental, local, state, and federal policies/regulations; demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; arrive to work on time; be prepared to perform assigned duties; work assigned schedule; maintain strict confidentiality; successfully complete the department's pre-employment requirements; Pass a Criminal Background check.
Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance:
  • Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
  • Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
  • Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
  • Maintain strict confidentiality;
  • Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times;
  • Maintain and enhance the County's commitment to customer service excellence.

Organizational Relationships
Reports to: Culinary Supervisor
Directs: This is a non-supervisory position
Other: Has contact with other employees, supervisors, and juveniles
Work Environment
Work will be performed in a kitchen atmosphere; extreme hot and cold temperatures; noisy conditions; frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts around industrial-sized kitchen appliances.
The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
El Paso County offers a very comprehensive benefit package (some benefits may not apply to part time or temporary employees) consisting of the following:
HOLIDAYS
16 holidays per year as recognized.
VACATION
Accruals are credited on a biweekly basis and available for use as it is accrued after 6 months of continuous service. Year to year carry-over accruals are limited to twice the employee's annual rate. Part-time employees accrue vacation at half the rate of full-time employees.
10 days (1 through less than 5 years of service)
15 days (5 through less than 15 years of service)
20 days (15 years of service or over)
SICK LEAVE
Accruals are credited on a biweekly basis and available for use as it is accrued after 3 months of full time service. Employees accrue 15 days of sick leave per year.
MISCELLANEOUS PAID LEAVES
Military Leave - 15 days of paid leave per fiscal year for active military service
Bereavement Leave - 3 days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family members and 4 hours for other family members and friends.
MEDICAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Plan Costs - Biweekly Rates
Effective January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Medical
Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP)
No Discounts

EE Only $5.34
EE & Spouse $145.30
EE & Children $101.93
EE & Family $238.07
2% Tobacco-Free Discount
EE Only - $5.24
EE & Spouse - $142.39
EE & Children - $99.89
EE & Family - $233.31
4% Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $5.14
EE & Spouse - $139.49
EE & Children - $97.85
EE & Family - $228.55
6% Tobacco-Free AND Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $5.04
EE & Spouse - $136.58
EE & Children - $95.81
EE & Family - $223.79
Core Plan
No Discounts
EE Only - $35.70
EE & Spouse - $226.41
EE & Children - $174.96
EE & Family - $358.61
2% Tobacco-Free Discount
EE Only - $34.98
EE & Spouse - $221.88
EE & Children - $171.46
EE & Family - $351.44
4% Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $34.26
EE & Spouse - $217.35
EE & Children -$167.96
EE & Family - $344.27
6% Tobacco-Free AND Wellness Screening & HRA Discount
EE Only - $33.56
EE & Spouse - $212.83
EE & Children - $164.46
EE & Family - $337.09
RETIREMENT
Retirement benefits are provided by the Texas County and District Retirement Fund (TCDRS). Regular employees become a member of TCDRS upon hire. All regular employees are required to contribute 7% to the retirement fund and the County matches 250% upon eligible retirements.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
Employees may defer earnings, on a pre-tax basis, into a 457 deferred compensation program. This is an optional program.
LIFE INSURANCE
Full-time County employees are provided a basic life insurance benefit of $10,000 life insurance at no cost. Supplemental coverage is available for additional fees.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY
The Long-Term disability program provides 60% of the employees' income when the employee becomes disabled because of an illness, injury or accident for a period above 90 days.
SHORT-TERM DISABILITY
The Short-Term disability program provides 60% of the employees' income when the employee becomes disabled because of an illness, injury or accident for a period shorter than 90 days.
RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE
Employees who retire from the County are eligible to continue Health Insurance at the rate set by the El Paso County Risk Pool Board.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistance Program that provides a variety of counseling services.
SECTION 125 MEDICAL & DEPENDENT CARE PROGRAM
The section 125 program is optional for employees and provides a method to pay medical and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE REIMBURSEMENT
Reimbursement of $15 per month for 6 months of continuous gym usage.
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EdAP)
Reimbursement up to $2000 per calendar year for eligible education expenses.
EMPLOYEE FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER
The Employee Fitness and Wellness Center opened in October 2021 at the County Courthouse. The cost is $5 per employee per month.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • 30 to less than 60 college credits
  • More than 60 college credits
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctoral Degree
  • None of the above

02
Which of the following best describes your experience in large food service operations preferably in an institutional setting?
  • No Experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience.
  • 1 to less than 3 years of experience.
  • 3 to less than 5 years of experience.
  • 5 to less than 7 years of experience.
  • 7 or more years of experience.

03
Do you currently hold a valid Food Handler's Permit?
  • Yes, I DO currently hold a valid Food Handler's Permit
  • No, I do NOT currently hold a valid Food Handler's Permit

04
What is your level of experience with the qualifications, requirements, and regulations of meal production as set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Child Nutrition Program?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 3 years
  • More than 3 years

05
What is your level of experience with the requirements and regulations set by The City of El Paso Department of Public Health?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 3 years
  • More than 3 years

06
The position will require working flexible hours to include weekdays/nights, weekends, holidays, and different work shifts. Do you acknowledge this requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you possess a vehicle for transportation, a valid Driver's License and proof of Automobile Liability Insurance Coverage?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Have you been convicted of a misdemeanor offense in the last five years?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Have you been convicted of a felony offense in the last ten years?
  • Yes
  • No

10
Are you currently employed with the El Paso County - Juvenile Probation Department?
  • Yes, I AM currently employed with the El Paso County - Juvenile Probation Department.
  • No, I am NOT currently employed with the El Paso County - Juvenile Probation Department.

11
Are you a former employee of El Paso County - Juvenile Probation Department?
  • Yes, I AM a former employee of El Paso County - Juvenile Probation Department.
  • No, I am NOT a former employee of El Paso County - Juvenile Probation Department.

12
Do you have an immediate family member who is currently employed at El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department or a Juvenile Board Member? An immediate family member is defined as: Spouse (regardless of legally recognized status and gender), children, foster children, or any other war legally placed by a government agency, step-children, grandchildren, siblings, half-siblings, parents, parents-in-law, brother and sister-in-law, step-parent and grandparent. If yes, please enter name(s), relationship(s) and department(s) in the space below. B) If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the space below.
13
JPD employees are expected to maintain a work environment that is free from inappropriate (intimate, romantic or dating) relationships between supervisorsand their subordinates or between employees involved in any other power-differentiated relationship:A "power-differentiated relationship" is any supervisor-subordinate work relationship or other work relationship in which one employee supervises or manages (directly or indirectly) another employee or makes decisions concerning another employee's work activities, conditions or privileges of employment.Please confirm if selected for the position; you are NOT in a "power-differentiated relationship"
  • If I am selected for the position, I confirm that I am NOT in a "power-differentiated relationship"
  • If I am selected for the position, I confirm that I AM in a "power-differentiated relationship"

14
Have you ever worked for, contracted with, volunteered for, held license with a child-serving entity or entity that serves vulnerable population (e.g., elderly people, incarcerated people, people in mental health facilities, people with disabilities)?
  • Yes
  • No

15
Have you ever had an employment, contract, or volunteer status suspended, or terminated or occupational license revoked or suspended?
  • Yes
  • No

16
Have you ever had a finding of abuse, neglect, or exploitation (ANE) against you?
  • Yes
  • No

17
Have you had your name placed on a do not hire list or similar registry?
  • Yes
  • No

18
Have you ever had an immediate family member processed by the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department? If yes, please enter name(s) and relationship(s) in the space below. If not applicable, please enter "N/A" in the space below.
19
The Juvenile Probation Department has received approval for positions funded by grants. If offered one of these grant-funded positions, would you be interested?
  • Yes, I would be interested.
  • No, I would NOT be interested.

20
I UNDERSTAND In order for my application to be considered complete, I must answer all the questions in this application. Incomplete or illegible applications will be rejected. A résumé and/or other documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Comments such as "See Résumé" are not acceptable and will result in the application being considered incomplete.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question