Kitchen Hand Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES), we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals that are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; or click on the link here to view 'Our DES' video. Come join the DES Team!
The Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team as a Cook. DDD provides individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, services and supports that are flexible, high quality, and member driven. These services provide individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.
Applicants for this position cannot be licensed or certified by the DDD Office of Licensing Certification and Regulation, cannot have a principal interest in or have a spouse or close family with principal interest in a DDD Qualified Vendor Agreement, and cannot be employed or subcontracted by a DDD Qualified Vendor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Prepares food using both mechanical/electrical kitchen equipment and hand tools in a safe and sanitary manner. Ensures that all food is prepared in accordance with each specific diet. May make work assignments, based on menus and cleaning schedules, and instruct, guide and council subordinate-level workers in carrying out a variety of food-oriented tasks.
Maintains a clean and sanitary work area. Cleans and sanitizes kitchen equipment.
Develops shopping lists based on approved menus and completes grocery shopping within the allotted budget for the facility. Maintains updated food and supply inventories. Ensures proper storage and thawing techniques for foods.
Measures correct portions of all food items into containers in compliance with each person's specialized diet. Provides input to nutritionist specific to the special dietary needs of the facility.

Knowledge in:
Basic mathematics and simple calculation to convert recipes to appropriate sizes
Preparing special therapeutic meals in a large group setting
Cooking techniques used to preserve the natural nutrients and palatability of the product; Proper temperature to store, prepare, and serve foods
Policies and procedures utilized in Food Services including sanitation procedures
Principles and practices of leadership
Skills In:
Oral and written communication
Use, cleaning, and maintenance of kitchen hand tools (knives, can openers, etc.), mechanical equipment (stoves, ovens, mixers, food processors) and proper use of chemicals
Preparing nutritional and palatable food while maintaining proper temperature during serving
Reading menus
Writing / Completing designated forms and inventories including use of computer equipment and software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.)
Ability to:
Prepare and present food in an attractive manner
Maintain positive working relationships with the individuals and staff at the facility
Learn, interpret, and apply Federal regulations for Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF's)

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
Food preparation experience

Required at the time of appointment possession of a current, valid Food Handler's Permit.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver's License Requirements. Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver's license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver's license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to Driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operated a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) (R2-10-201.11).
Employee shall have a valid Level One fingerprint clearance card issued pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 41-1968 in order to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Candidates for this position shall be subject to a search of both the Department of Child Safety Central Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 8-804 and the Adult Protective Services Registry pursuant to A.R.S. 46-459.
Employment may be contingent upon completion of a post-offer medical/ physical examination and the agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
Successfully pass background and reference check; employment is contingent upon completion of the above-mentioned process and the Agency's ability to reasonably accommodate any restrictions.
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Economic Security offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

State employees are required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), the State sponsored retirement contribution plan and the Long-Term Disability (LTD) program after a 27-week waiting period. The ASRS defined benefit plan provides for life-long income upon retirement. You will also have the option to participate in a voluntary deferred compensation program to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement investments.
On, or shortly after, your first day of work you will be provided with additional information about the available insurance plans, enrollment instructions, submission deadlines and effective dates.

For questions about this career opportunity, please contact us Johanna Valdiviezo at 480-919-6798 or JValdiviezo@azdes.gov.
The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by contacting 480-919-6798 or JValdiviezo@azdes.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.