Exam Bulletin - Correctional Supervising Cook (CF)

California Correctional Health Care Services

Exam Code: EX-2087

Examination Plans Included:

  • CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY): $4,322.00 - $5,316.00 (A) per Month
CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY): $4,454.00 - $5,480.00 (S) per Month

View the CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) classification specification.

Application Instructions

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 6 months:

Exam Code(s):

    2087

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00102183 - CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY)

Either I

Experience: One year of experience in the California state service performing the duties of a Cook Specialist II (Correctional Facility) or a Cook Specialist II.

Or II

Experience:  Two years of experience in a supervisory capacity over cooks and other food service workers with responsibility for supervising and assisting with the preparation, cooking, and serving of various food items.  And

Education:  Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.

Applicants possessing the required license/certificate at the time of application must show the number, title, and expiration date on their Examination Application (Std. Form 678).

Special Personal Characteristics: Sympathetic understanding of and willingness to work with the resident population of a State correctional facility; supervisory ability; personal cleanliness; good sense of smell and taste; and freedom from communicable diseases.

Special Physical Characteristics: Persons appointed to positions in this class must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of incarcerated persons.

Assignments during tour of duty may include sole responsibility for the supervision of incarcerated persons and/or the protection of personal and real property.

State Civil Service Out of Class Experience:  A completion of an “out-of-class (OOC) assignment memorandum”, dated within one year of assignment completion, is required to use OOC experience to meet the minimum qualifications for examination purposes.  Employees may obtain this documentation from their Classification and Pay Analyst or institutional Personnel Liaison.  OOC experience without the required documentation cannot be considered for examination purposes.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.

Position Description

00102183 - CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY)

A Correctional Supervising Cook (Correctional Facility), under direction either (1) in a small State correctional culinary program, plans, organizes, supervises, and assists with the preparation, cooking, and serving of food to residents and employees; or (2) in a medium-sized State correctional culinary program, has charge of a shift and supervises and assists with the preparation, cooking, and serving of food to residents and employees; or (3) in a large correctional culinary program, supervises a large crew in the preparation, cooking, and serving of food to residents and employees; supervises the maintenance of culinary equipment, supplies, and work areas; instructs culinary workers; maintains order and supervises the conduct of incarcerated persons, residents workers, or patients; protects and maintains the safety of persons and property; instructs, leads, or supervises incarcerated persons or resident workers as needed; and does other related work.

Employees in this class in a small correctional culinary program normally work under the general administrative direction of a Business Manager or Food Administrator and are in direct charge of cooks and allied workers preparing and serving three meals a day for residents and employees.

Employees in this class in a medium-sized correctional culinary program normally work under the supervision of a Supervising Cook II (Correctional Facility) or Supervising Correctional Cook and have charge of a shift where they supervise and assist cooks and allied workers with the preparation, cooking, and serving of food to residents and employees.

Employees in this class in a large correctional culinary program normally work under the general supervision of either a Supervising Cook II (Correctional Facility) in juvenile facilities, or a Supervising Correctional Cook in adult institutions, supervising a crew in the preparation, cooking, and serving of food to residents and employees. Incumbents may also have shift responsibility.

Employees in the next higher class of Supervising Cook II (Correctional Facility) normally work under the direction of a Food Administrator II (Correctional Facility) or Food Manager (Correctional Facility) in juvenile facilities, or under an Assistant Correctional Food Manager in adult institutions, and are in direct charge of the food production staff in correctional culinary programs. The class of Supervising Cook II (Correctional Facility) may also be used in smaller correctional culinary programs where there is no Food Administrator or Food Manager.

In the larger State correctional culinary programs preparing, cooking, and serving three meals a day for residents and employees, the Supervising Cook II (Correctional Facility) or Supervising Correctional Cook is a shift supervisor who supervises at least five employees at the Correctional Supervising Cook (Correctional Facility) level.

The next lower class of Cook Specialist II (Correctional Facility) prepares, cooks, and dispenses food for the residents and employees of a State correctional facility and supervises, instructs, and works with employees and helpers from the resident population.

Positions exist statewide.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:

  1. Principles, procedures, and equipment used in the storage, care, preparation, cooking (including baking), dispensing, and serving of food in large quantities;
  2. Kitchen sanitation and safety measures used in the operation, cleaning, and care of utensils, equipment, and work areas;
  3. Food handling sanitation (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Programs);
  4. Food values as well as nutritional and economical substitutions within food groups;
  5. Principles of effective supervision;
  6. Food accounting;
  7. Use of purchase orders for food and equipment;
  8. Training methods;
  9. A manager's/supervisor's responsibility for promoting equal opportunity in hiring and employee development and promotion, and for maintaining a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Ability to:
  1. Plan palatable and adequate menus;
  2. Plan, organize, and direct the work of others;
  3. Keep records;
  4. Prepare reports and memorandums;
  5. Communicate at a level required for successful job performance;
  6. Keep inventories and make requisitions;
  7. Use appropriate equipment;
  8. Judge food quality;
  9. Determine food quantities necessary for groups of varying sizes;
  10. Prepare and cook all food groups;
  11. Direct the preparation and distribution of special diets;
  12. Plan food production to schedule;
  13. Plan and conduct in-service training programs;
  14. Analyze situations accurately and take effective action;
  15. Effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a working environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the CORRECTIONAL SUPERVISING COOK (CORRECTIONAL FACILITY) Classification will be established for:

  • California Correctional Health Care Services

The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

  • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
  • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

Preview the Correctional Supervising Cook (CF) Exam

1. Have you supervised the work of cooks and food-service workers to make sure that it meets quality, quantity, and timeliness standards? 
2. Have you supervised cooks and food-service workers in the cleaning and sanitizing of cooking utensils, equipment, and work areas in order to keep the food-service area sanitary and orderly? 
3. Have you helped in the training of new food-service staff in order to teach them kitchen safety policies and procedures? 
4. Have you monitored serving lines to make sure portion control, proper food presentation, and health and safety guidelines are followed by cooks and foodservice workers? 
5. Have you monitored cooks and food-service workers in the inspection of food, equipment, and supplies received and stored to ensure quality, quantity, proper storage, and temperatures? 
6. Have you monitored cooks and food-service workers in order to make sure personal hygiene standards and dress codes meet local and State health and safety standards? 
7. Have you conducted staff meetings with cooks and food-service workers to share information and policy and regulation updates?
8. Have you trained cooks and food-service workers in the use of safe food handling practices in order to prevent foodborne illness or death? 
9. Have you trained cooks and food-service workers in the preparation and cooking of various food items in order to serve groups of varying sizes? 
10.Have you trained cooks and food-service workers in the proper operation of foodservice equipment in order to maintain safety in the food-service area?
11.Have you trained cooks and food-service workers in the prevention of accidents and injuries in the food-service area in order to create a safe work environment? 
12.Have you implemented safe food handling practices as mandated by rules, regulations, and/or procedures in order to prevent foodborne illness or death?
13.Have you conducted safety and sanitation inspections of food-service work areas in order to ensure local and State health and safety standards are met?
14.Have you coordinated the preventative maintenance and repair of food-service equipment in order to make sure equipment is working correctly and to extend its life? 
15.Have you resolved disagreements and conflicts between cooks and food-service workers to achieve a harmonious, productive working environment?
16.Have you assigned and delegated work to cooks and food-service workers to ensure the food-service/kitchen operates effectively? 
17.Do you have the skill to safely use appropriate food-service equipment in order to prepare, cook, dispense, and serve food? 
18.Do you have the skill to plan and conduct in-service training/on-the-job training to provide instruction and direction to cooks and food-service workers?
19. Do you have the skill to perform basic math like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to add amounts, calculate weight, calculate time spent, and perform inventory? 
20.Do you have the skill to promote positive, cooperative, and professional working relationships among staff?

Testing Departments

  • California Correctional Health Care Services

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Correctional Health Care Services
Examination Services Section
PO Box 588500, Personnel D-1
Elk Grove, CA 95758
Phone: (916) 691-5894
CPHCSSelectionServices@cdcr.ca.gov

California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Drug Free Statement

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

General Information

Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

California Correctional Health Care Services reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
Application Methods:
Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)