JTDC - Food Service Worker
Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois
Chicago, IL
JOB TITLE: FOOD SERVICE WORKER
DIVISON: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
LOCATION: JUVENILE TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER
11OO S HAMILTON
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60612
UNION: TEAMSTERS 700
GRADE: X14
SALARY: $43,444 Company Overview
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10 – 18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC is dedicated to providing its youth with leadership, structured care, and supervision through a balanced approach of creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. Each member of the JTDC staff is actively encouraged and supported in pursuit of creative participation, personal well-being, and professional development.
As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility contains five major departments and various offices consisting of 600+ employees who serve an average daily population of 280+ residents. Job Summary
The Food Service Worker is responsible for tasks associated with the preparation and delivery of food to residents and staff in a safe, efficient, sanitary manner consistent with procedures regarding proper food handling, sanitation, safety, and cleaning schedules. The high-volume kitchen operation prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner for residents and serves between 1000 – 1200 meals daily. Typical Duties
[ This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements.]
Please note: Food Service Worker positions are required to have an active State of Illinois and City of Chicago Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Manager License. The Illinois Department of Public Health does not recognize the ServSafe National Certification; however, the ServSafe Manager Certification is recognized by the Chicago Department of Public Health. Benefits Package
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
DIVISON: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
LOCATION: JUVENILE TEMPORARY DETENTION CENTER
11OO S HAMILTON
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60612
UNION: TEAMSTERS 700
GRADE: X14
SALARY: $43,444 Company Overview
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC) provides safe and temporary housing for youth ages 10 – 18 with pending legal action in the Cook County Courts. The JTDC is dedicated to providing its youth with leadership, structured care, and supervision through a balanced approach of creative programming and services that teach responsibility, accountability, and sensitivity. Each member of the JTDC staff is actively encouraged and supported in pursuit of creative participation, personal well-being, and professional development.
As the largest juvenile detention center in the nation, the facility contains five major departments and various offices consisting of 600+ employees who serve an average daily population of 280+ residents. Job Summary
The Food Service Worker is responsible for tasks associated with the preparation and delivery of food to residents and staff in a safe, efficient, sanitary manner consistent with procedures regarding proper food handling, sanitation, safety, and cleaning schedules. The high-volume kitchen operation prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner for residents and serves between 1000 – 1200 meals daily. Typical Duties
- Reviews daily menus and meal counts, ensures necessary food items are stocked and fresh, and prepares food items for use as appropriate (washing, peeling, chopping/dicing, seeding, etc.).
- Follows standard recipes and uses various ingredients and seasonings to prepare cold items including salads, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages.
- Utilizes various kitchen utensils, appliances, and heavy equipment in food preparation (knives, peelers, dicers, slicers, mixers, etc.).
- Packs lunches for residents and staff in courtrooms.
- Assists the Cooks when needed.
- Loads and transports food carts to and from the designated floor units and school area.
- Follows proper kitchen standards when cleaning/sanitizing the work area (floors, food carts, tables, kitchen utensils and equipment, dishes, and tableware, etc.).
- Maintains sanitation, health, and safety standards in work areas.
- Completes production logs to track specific information for each meal.
- Assists in maintaining proper inventory levels.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- GED or High School diploma required
- Illinois Food Handlers License must be obtained within 30 days of employment
- Previous high-volume institutional or commercial food service experience strongly preferred.
- Skilled in the safety, sanitary, and effective handling of food, cooking utensils, and food processing equipment.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and otherwise move objects weighing at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods and adapt to a large kitchen environment with varying temperatures (-8 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Must have knowledge of basic arithmetic.
- Effectively reads, listens, understands, and communicates in English (verbally and in writing).
- United States citizenship.
- 21 years of age at the time of application submission.
- Ability to prioritize competing demands and to be flexible, creative, proactive, and effective under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Must possess knowledge of group dynamics and the ability to establish trust and cooperation with coworkers while maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism, assertiveness, and leadership.
- Highly accountable, reliable, and prompt, with a strong work ethic.
[ This job requires the ability to perform the essential functions contained in this description. These include, but are not limited to, the following requirements.]
- Reaching, bending, and stooping to perform daily tasks.
- Extended periods of walking throughout the facility.
- Extended periods of standing.
- Ability to physically lift, carry and manage weights of at least 50 lbs. when handling food items.
- Ability to respond to emergency situations according to JTDC policies, procedures and protocols.
- Must be able to work unscheduled overtime based on departmental needs.
- Exposure to resident behavior problems that may include physical acting out and require safe physical management skills.
- Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders.
- Exposure to youths with various states of cleanliness and hygiene.
- Exposure to various health related conditions or residents of a communicable nature which requires precaution and adhering to medical instruction.
- Exposure to communicable diseases of youths.
- Illinois residency obtained within 90 days of date of hire.
- Pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check including but not limited to LEADS, CANTS, and professional references.
- A result of negative from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abuse Registry.
- Open daily availability including weekends and holidays for any of two standard shifts, that may be subject to change (5:00 am – 7:00 pm) with 2 consecutive days off.
- Must pass Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) screening requirements.
Please note: Food Service Worker positions are required to have an active State of Illinois and City of Chicago Department of Public Health Food Service Sanitation Manager License. The Illinois Department of Public Health does not recognize the ServSafe National Certification; however, the ServSafe Manager Certification is recognized by the Chicago Department of Public Health. Benefits Package
- Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page .
It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Posted 2026-01-15
Recommended Jobs
2026 Summer Internship Program: Data Digital and Technology (DD&T) Intern
Takeda
Libertyville, IL
By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Taked…
View Details
Posted 2025-12-18
Assistant Audit Supervisor
Circle K
Deer Park, IL
Assistant Audit Supervisor Location Deer Park, IL : ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Communicates with Audit Supervisor and Audit Manager Communicates with Store Analyst on day of audit Count all me…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-05
Business Development Representative - Tinley Park, IL
Universal Energy Solutions
Tinley Park, IL
Job Posting: Business Development Representative Location: Tinley Park, IL Type: Full-Time About Us: Universal Energy Solutions is a leading provider of energy solutions for busin…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-15
Dean and Provost/Chief Executive Officer
American Association of Integrated Healthcare Delivery Systems
Springfield, IL
Overview Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIU SOM) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean and Provost of the School of Medicine and Chief Executive Officer o…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-14
Kitchen Manager
Paris Baguette
Chicago, IL
Job Summary: The Kitchen Manager is responsible for quality food production, budget management, controlling food and labor costs to meet budget, managing and maintaining café and catering menus an…
View Details
Posted 2025-12-06
Automotive Aftermarket Sales Manager
BlackStar
Lincolnshire, IL
In-House Sales Representative – Automotive Aftermarket (Lighting) Location: Lincolnshire, IL (Hybrid – Onsite + Remote) Travel: 25–40% Nationwide Employment Type: Full-Time | Dire…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-08
Commercial Real Estate Attorney, Acquisitions and Dispositions
Bridge33 Capital
Chicago, IL
Description JOIN OUR TEAM Bridge33 Capital is a rapidly growing, vertically integrated real estate private equity firm focused on open-air retail real estate. The Company recently closed its …
View Details
Posted 2026-01-15
CDL A Truck Driver - $2,000 Onboarding Pay (Dixon)
Riverside Transport
Dixon, IL
Hiring CDL-A Truck Drivers PAY THAT SHOWS UP - Earn up to $93,600 per year GET PAID TO GET STARTED - $1,500 sign-on bonus + $500 orientation pay EASY FREIGHT. EASY WEEKS - 100% no-touch dry …
View Details
Posted 2026-01-14
Lead Cardiac Sonographer - Noninvasive Cardiac Testing, Full-Time, Days - Sign On Bonus Offered
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, IL
The salary range for this position is $43.33 - $58.49 (Hourly Rate) Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positi…
View Details
Posted 2025-12-11
Sales Lead, Streets of Woodfield
Ann Taylor
Schaumburg, IL
About us LOFT creates modern, feminine, versatile clothing for women with one common style goal: to look and feel confident wherever the day takes them. We empower women to find their authentic se…
View Details
Posted 2026-01-15