Cook

About Us

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. Core Correctional Practices (CCP) is the foundational practice that drives reintegration and rehabilitation practices deployed within Correctional Services. 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.
 

About Our Opportunity

Under the supervision of the Nutritional Services Manager, the Cook is responsible for food preparation and the delivery of food services to offenders, 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.
 

Primary Accountabilities

• Provide offenders, staff, patients, and visitors with nutritional meals that are approved by the Dietitian/Nutritional 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
   

Qualifications and Experience

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. During the interview, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with staff members and offenders. Strong judgement and decision-making abilities must also be displayed as the incumbent may face a variety of stressful situations.

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.
 

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
 

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.
 

Working Conditions

• 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
• Must be constantly aware of your surroundings and ensure you have close proximately to other employees and/or a 2-way radio in case of emergency
   

Additional Information

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.

This position will require an enhanced level of security screening for external applicants.

This is a Term/Temporary/Casual employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31 2026. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.
 

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. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths. 
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.