Baker (DOH/NMBHI #12922)

New Mexico Department of Health; Las Vegas (NM); On-site; USD 23,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas, NM, is seeking a kitchen cook to prepare entrees, breads, desserts, and other items for patients across the hospital divisions. The role emphasizes safe handling, sanitation, and timely service in a busy kitchen.

No prior experience is required, but applicants should understand basic food safety and sanitation standards. The job involves standing for long periods, and shifts may include weekends or holidays as needed.

Qualifications

• No prior experience or training required.
• Knowledge of proper food handling, sanitation standards, and infection control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the quality of cooking service, including preparing, seasoning, and cooking meats, fish, fowl, vegetables, soups, baked goods, sauces, and desserts.
• Independently prepares and may adjust or adapt recipes for a full range of baking bread, pastries, and desserts.
• Prepares menus, food budget, and food requisitions.
• Maintains food and equipment inventory and ensures that kitchen and dining areas are kept in sanitary condition.

Skills

Cooking

Food prep

Sanitation

Food safety

Job description

Posting Details

The New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute provides care to New Mexicans across six different divisions including hospital level inpatient psychiatric care for both civil and forensic commitments, residential treatment for adolescents, outpatient care for people with behavioral health disorders, detox and residential substance use treatment, and skilled/long-term care. As the largest behavioral health complex in the state, inpatient/residential care is provided to over 250 New Mexicans every day, along with 400 outpatient clients a month. There are over 600 employees across all the divisions of NMBHI to ensure high-quality treatment and care is delivered.

Salary

$17.00 - $25.49 Hourly

$35,350 - $53,024 Annually

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Why does the job exist?

Cooks for NMBHI prepare a large quantity of entrees, vegetables, breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries, desserts, and other baked/cooked goods. They measure, mix, and cook ingredients according to recipes, using a variety of equipment. The number, type, and responsibilities of cooks vary depending on where they work, the size of the facility, and the complexity and level of service offered.

How does it get done?

• Responsible for the quality of cooking service, including preparing, seasoning, and cooking meats, fish, fowl, vegetables, soups, baked goods, sauces, and desserts.
• Independently prepares and may adjust or adapt recipes for a full range of baking bread, pastries, and desserts.
• Prepares menus, food budget, and food requisitions.
• Maintains food and equipment inventory and ensures that kitchen and dining areas are kept in sanitary condition.

Who are the customers?

This position prepares and or serves meals to all patients who are admitted to the hospital division of NMBHI.

Ideal Candidate

Experience assisting with food preparation, portioning, and serving meals in a timely and sanitary manner. Knowledge of proper food handling, sanitation standards, and infection control procedures for safe temperature and cleanliness requirements.

Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with patients, residents, clients and coworkers.

Demonstrate the ability to follow schedules, complete assigned tasks efficiently and maintain dependable attendance.

Minimum Qualification

No Prior Experience Or Training Required.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid NM Drivers License.

Must obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.

Working Conditions

This position will work in a kitchen and food service environment with exposure to heat, noise, and food odors. The position requires standing and walking for extended periods, frequent lifting, and adherence to strict food safety and sanitation standards. Work will include weekends, holidays, and varying shifts based on operational needs.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.