Cook in Sydney

The Correctional Services division of the Department of Justice is responsible for the administration and operation of community and custody-based programs and services for adults and young persons. Within the Correctional Services core business area, there are two programs: community corrections and correctional facilities.

Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province and is responsible for the supervision of both adult and young persons serving community-based sentences. The sentences include probation, conditional sentence, custody and supervision, conditional supervision, and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision. Probation officers also supervise those released from custody on conditional releases and prepare pre-sentence investigations to assist the Courts in the sentencing process.

Four adult correctional facilities and one youth centre provide the safety and security of persons in custody while providing programs that address dynamic criminogenic factors to assist with their successful reintegration back into the community. Nova Scotia Correctional Services utilizes an evidence-based approach in both Community Corrections and custodial facilities.

Under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, the Cook is responsible for food preparation and the delivery of food services to persons in custody, staff, patients, and visitors of the correctional facility. The Cook is responsible for operating within the budget for the food services program and supervising inmates working in the kitchen program.

• Provide persons in custody, staff, patients, and visitors with nutritional meals that are approved by the Kitchen Manager.
• Provide guidance and instruction to cooks' helpers working in the kitchen.
• Maintain security of the kitchen, including regular equipment inspection, utensil counts, knife security, etc.
• Follow a system of inspections and quality checks of the food products, kitchen cleanliness, and security procedures.
• Responsible for inspection of quality of food and supplies entering the production area.
• Adhere to record-keeping system including daily menu plans, substitute meals served and reason, number of meals served to offenders, staff, patients, and visitors.
• Responsible for compliance with waste and cost control policies and procedures.
• Ensure cleanliness of the equipment and food prep area and the safe/secure storage of food requiring special temperature storage.
• Ensure kitchen workers adhere to safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene standards.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Successful completion of a Journeyman Certificate (Red Seal) and at least four years of experience as a cook is required.
• A Food Handler's Course is required.
• Previous experience working in a secure environment would be an asset.
• Certification in First Aid & CPR would be an asset.

Working Conditions:

• Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full-time employees when operational requirements demand.
• Shift work is mandatory for this position.
• Majority of work is performed while standing, walking, and lifting heavy objects.
• Will be required to closely supervise the kitchen worker offenders and notify security staff of any potential risks for conflict or inappropriate behaviours.
• The kitchen preparation areas may be hot and noisy with hazards of cuts and burns present.
• Risk of physical or verbal abuse from a patient or offender.

What We Offer:

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace where employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in.
• Countless career paths.

Hourly Salary Range: $27.86 - $31.97

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the citizens we serve. We welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons, and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act.