Spokane County

Jail - Cook UP TO $10,000 SIGN ON BONUS!

Spokane County, Spokane

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Jail - Cook UP TO $10,000 SIGN ON BONUS!

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Jail - Cook UP TO $10,000 SIGN ON BONUS!

Salary

$40,102.44 - $55,848.00 Annually

Location

WA 99260, WA

Job Type

Regular

Job Number

25-00148

Department

Detention Services

Opening Date

07/09/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

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Description
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Benefits
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Questions
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Job Summary

NOTE: Starting pay will be based on experience.

SIGN-ON BONUS! Newly hired employees to this class specification may be eligible for a sign-on bonus of UP TO $10,000!

This bonus will be paid as follows:

$3,000 lump sum payment the on the employee’s first pay date, $3,000 lump sum payment on the employee’s pay date following 180 days of employment, $4,000 lump sum payment on the employee’s pay date following one year of employment.

This position is 40 hours per week.

This position performs work that involves the preparation of all food and supervision of inmates on a shift in the kitchen at either of the County's Correctional Facilities. The position allocated to this class is responsible for preparation of all food on a shift in the kitchen in either of the County's Correctional Facilities. Work involves cooking, and supervising inmates in food handling, preparation, sanitation and service.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $51,331 - $71,485 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Examples of Duties

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Supervises inmate workers and participates in cooking, baking and other food preparation as a cook on shift.
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Participates and performs preliminary preparation necessary for next day's meals; ensures that food is of good quality and is served on time.
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Bakes pies, cakes, cookies, biscuits and prepares other desserts.
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Assists in preparing menu items and determining amount of food to meet menu requirements; and adjusts recipes for fluctuation in inmate population.
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Inspects food being prepared to ensure proper quantity, quality, and handling; instructs and trains employees and details kitchen help in sanitation, cooking, preparing, and handling food.
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Controls waste and theft of food by inmates.
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Operates mixers, ovens, steamers, grills, food processors, steam kettles, and other food equipment.
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Receives food and nonfood related orders, and responsible for proper rotation of product.
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Directly supervises inmate workers in cleaning trays and utensils, cookware, kitchen and food storage areas.
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Maintains facility security in the kitchen operations and accounts for inventory of all kitchen utensils and equipment.
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Supervises up to 20 inmate workers assigned to kitchen duties.
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Participates in inmate worker training; confers with supervisor regarding behavioral problems and progress of inmates under their supervision.
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Transports food and or supplies from one facility to another facility operating a County vehicle.
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Performs other related duties as required/assigned.
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Minimum Requirements

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High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
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One (1) year of related experience.
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Minimum age is 18.
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Must have the ability to obtain a current Washington State Food Handler’s Permit within two (2) weeks of hire.
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Must be in good physical condition; vision with correction 20/20 and normal color vision; and normal hearing.
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U.S. citizen, able to read and write the English language.
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PLEASE NOTE: Background inquires shall be completed prior to appointment. The background investigation will include a polygraph examination, a psychological evaluation and a medical evaluation.
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Possession of a valid Driver's License at time of hire and for the duration of employment.
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Selection Factors

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Knowledge of food management and the preparation and serving of large-scale food service for 900 or more individual.
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Knowledge of personal hygiene, food handling, sanitation, and safety precautions.
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Knowledge of care and use of kitchen utensils and equipment.
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Knowledge of adjustment of ingredients in large-scale recipes to meet changing needs.
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Skilled in communicating effectively both orally and in writing, sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction.
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Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with jail inmates, jail staff and other department personnel.
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Skilled in preparation and cooking of starches, vegetables, meats, poultry, baking.
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Skilled in keeping accurate records of food use and maintaining inventory control including proper rotation of supplies.
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Skilled in operation of all food equipment listed above.
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Ability to perform above examples of duties.
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Ability to supervise the jail kitchen and maintain sanitation, care of equipment, and safety of personnel.
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Ability to establish and maintain control of 8 to 20 inmate workers according to Jail policies and procedures.
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Ability to inspect food being prepared to insure proper quantity, quality and handling.
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Ability to instruct and train new employees and detailed kitchen help in sanitation, cooking, preparing and handling food.
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Ability to establish work methods and supervise and instruct others in cooking and kitchen work
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Ability to provide constructive atmosphere for inmate corrections.
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SPOKANE COUNTY

Employee Benefits Summary

The following is a brief list of benefits available to Spokane County regular employees. Complete information is available from Human Resources Department. This information is subject to change.

PAID TIME OFF

Spokane County Observed Holidays

Up to 10 (ten) paid holidays are observed by Spokane County.

PTO

Non-represented and a select group of represented employees receive a bank of hours that combine both vacation and sick leave into a paid time off bank. There is no waiting period to use this time and it starts out at almost 2 days per month accrual increasing in accrual rates annually for first 5 years.

Vacation

For employees with less than five (5) years of continuous service, the accrual rate is 1 day of vacation each month for a total of 12 days per year. After six (6) months, employees are eligible to take accumulated vacation time. (Please note the vacation time accumulation may vary depending on contract language).

Sick Leave

Sick leave is earned at 1 day per month and can be taken as the days are accumulated.

Other Leaves

Spokane County provides several other paid leaves such as: bereavement leave, jury duty and military duty leave.

INSURANCE BENEFITS

Medical Insurance

Two plans are currently available: Premera Blue Cross (PPO) and Kaiser Permanente (HMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents. Premiums are deducted each pay period (pay periods: 15th and last day of the month).

2024 Rates:

Premera

Employee Only: $38.04 per month

Employee & Spouse: $149.52 per month

Employee & Family: $209.60 per month

Employee & Child(ren): $136.16 per month

Kaiser:

Employee: $35.92 per month

Employee & Spouse: $140.56 per month

Employee & Family: $196.06 per month

Employee & Child(ren): $128.58 per month

Dental Insurance

Two plans are currently available: Delta Dental of Washington (PPO) and Willamette Dental (DMO). Spokane County pays 95% of the premium for full-time employees and 90% of the premiums for spouses and dependents.

2024 Rates:

Delta Dental Willamette Dental

Employee: $5.74 per month Employee: $5.98 per month

Family: $11.48 per month Family: $11.96 per month

Group Life Insurance

The County provides a $25,000 group life insurance policy to employees. The County provides a $10,000 benefit for those represented by 492, 492CS & 492CL. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Long Term Disability Coverage

Provides an income protection benefit in the event of a long-term illness or injury at rate of 60% of income up to a maximum of $5,000 per month. Spokane County pays the full premium for this plan. Deputy Sheriff's receive a benefit through their union for disability.

RETIREMENT

Retirement Plan (401a)

Spokane County employees are automatically included in the Washington State Retirement System. Both the employer and the employee contribute to the plan. This retirement plan provides a guaranteed lifetime monthly benefit once vested and eligible for retirement.

Additional Retirement Plan Option (457b)

Employees may supplement their retirement income and save money on taxes by participating in this optional County program. Roth (after-tax) option is also available through this retirement plan.

VOLUNTARY BENEFITS

AFLAC

Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay for benefits not covered by major medical insurance. The employee pays 100% of the premium.

Travel Assistance

Provides additional travel protections anytime you travel more than 100 miles from home. Includes pre-trip information, emergency ticket replacement, and emergency evacuation coverage. This benefit is paid in full by Spokane County.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)

Spokane County sponsors a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account to allow out-of-pocket Medical & Daycare Expenses to be paid with Tax Free Dollars. Premiums are automatically set up pre-tax under the FSA.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance

Voluntary Term Life Insurance is additional optional life insurance provided through The Standard Insurance. New employees are guaranteed up to $50,000 for self and $20,000 for a spouse with no medical underwriting needed.

WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program

Employees and their family members are eligible to receive free counseling. There are also benefits relating to financial and legal concerns.

Reduced Cost Bus Pass Program

Spokane County participates in a program with STA which discounts bus passes to $5 a month.

Wellness Programs

There are opportunities for nearby exercise programs at reduced cost and education programs around wellness themes including financial well-being, nutrition and stress reduction.

Discounts

There are local and national discounts available to Spokane County employees.

Do you possess a valid, lawful driver's license?

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Yes
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No
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At the date and time you are completing this online application for Cook, are you at least 18 years of age?

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Yes
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No
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Do you have a Washington State Food Handler's Permit OR the ability to obtain such within two (2) weeks of hire?

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Yes, I have a valid Permit.
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I do not currently have a Permit, but I have the ability to obtain one within 2 weeks of hire.
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No, I do not.
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Do you have one (1) year of related experience?

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Yes
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No
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Required Question

Employer

Spokane County

Address

824 N Adams Spokane, Washington, 99260

Phone

509-477-5750

Website