Cook II

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11/16/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

2605979

Cook II

Salary

$30,563.52 - $45,156.24 Annually

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK

 

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Hiring Agency

Justice & Public Safety Cabinet | Department of Juvenile Justice

Location

163 Woodsbend Boys Camp Road
West Liberty, KY 41472 USA

Description

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves juveniles of the Commonwealth. While striving to hold youth accountable for their actions, the Department creates opportunities for sentenced, committed, probated, or detained youth to develop social and career skills that will equip them for re-entry into their communities as productive and responsible citizens.

The Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice seeks to serve youth in the least restrictive, appropriate placement possible. We aspire to be a premier team of professionals committed to providing life-changing services resulting in the positive transformation of children, families, and communities.

For more information about the Department of Juvenile Justice, please visit: https://djj.ky.gov

This is a highly responsible position in the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. The employee is expected to perform all duties to the best of their ability, act in a responsible manner at all times, demonstrate leadership qualities, and treat all staff, youth, and persons with respect. This is a demanding position that requires maturity, reliability, and self-discipline. Career growth and advancement are encouraged through training and mentoring opportunities.

Please be advised that although medical cannabis has been legalized in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, due to other applicable state or federal laws, employees in this position are prohibited from using medical cannabis.

If you need additional information about this prohibition, you may contact the agency point of contact for additional information.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepares and cooks food in a Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facility.
• Coordinates and provides instructions to juveniles assigned to kitchen duties.
• Prepares and cooks food according to nutritional guidelines.
• Monitors safety and security of kitchen area during shift.
• Ensures food is prepared and served properly; ensures kitchen and dining areas are cleaned according to sanitary standards.
• Stocks food and makes required checks of food storage areas, temperature controls and knife inventory.
• Operates equipment in kitchen and dining areas following all safety and cleanliness standards.
• Prepares production records and commodity reports for supervisors and conducts safety count of silverware.
• Attends trainings, staff meetings and job specific workshops as required by supervisor and DJJ policy.
• This position is deemed essential and has been designated for mandatory operations by the Appointing Authority; therefore, the incumbent is not eligible for Adverse Weather Leave.
• Required to successfully complete the Department of Juvenile Justice Training Academy; which entails two weeks on the job training, four weeks (Monday – Friday) at the academy training location (Louisville, Kentucky).
• Overnight lodging and travel is required for the ACT and provided by the department
• Required to successfully complete required Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray exposure training. As a condition of employment, employees will be subject to either direct or indirect exposure to OC spray, based on position and job responsibilities.
• Required to complete a required physical examination and receive medical clearance prior to participating in Handle with Care Self-Protection training and certification, which provides self-protection intervention strategies for safely working within a Group Home setting. The cost of the physical examination will be billed through the employee’s health insurance; however, any applicable co-pays will be reimbursed by the department.

For additional information, please contact the program’s administrative staff.

Minimum Requirements

Working Conditions

Typical working conditions for a specific position may be listed on the individual position description.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.