Cook - Full-time, Permanent

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 & correctional facilities. Each of these program areas is broken down into closely related activities that have a specific impact on the program’s target group.
Community Corrections has 22 offices across the province from Yarmouth to Sydney 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. Evidence based Program facilitation and supports to specialized courts in areas of domestic violence, mental health and wellness are also part of the role of a Probation Officer as well as Restorative Justice casework and collaboration with community justice agencies.
Four (4) adult correctional facilities and one (1) youth centre provide the safety and security of person 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. Utilizing CCP, Correctional Services staff can effectively interact, manage behavior, and help facilitate change, within target populations.
For more information on the Department of Justice Correctional Services please visit our website.
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. The position is responsible for the supervision and direction of inmates working in the kitchen program; security of the kitchen; sanitary procedures and inspections; care, control and storage of equipment and materials.
Provide guidance and instruction to cooks helpers working in the kitchen
Maintain security of the kitchen, including regular equipment inspection, utensil counts, knife security, and 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
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, and 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 requirement special temperature storage
Ensure kitchen workers adhere to safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene standards
Successful completion of a Journeyman Certificate (Red Seal), and at least four years of experience as a cook is required. Consideration may be given to an acceptable equivalent of training and experience. A Food Handler's Course is required. Previous experience working in a secure environment would be a definite asset. Certification in First Aid & CPR would be an asset.
We will assess the above qualifications using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.
Relief employees fill gaps in the schedule and replace full time employees when operational requirements demand as determined by the Employer – as a relief employee there is no guarantee of hours
Shift work is mandatory for this position
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
Please note when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.
Candidates are required to provide proof of all stated education and training.
The facility is a 24-hour operation and is a tobacco-free environment.
Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
We have forward-thinking policies and strategies. Pay Grade: ACC 07 Hourly
Salary Range: $27.86 - $31.97 Hourly
Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Please note: when competing for vacancies, a successful Temporary, Term or Permanent Relief Employee who is currently employed with the Province will maintain their bargaining unit status, seniority and benefit level at the new workplace.
If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.